Innovation beyond the skies: first truly interoperable digital identity solution for seafarers

For decades, the maritime industry has relied on paper documents and manual checks to verify crew identities and certificates. This slows down operations and adds cost and risk for an industry that moves millions of seafarers across borders every year. Now, as part of the wider SmartSea strategy, SITA and IDsure have launched a Digital Travel-enabled identity pilot for the maritime sector with Columbia Shipmanagement, bringing aviation-grade identity verification to life at sea.

The pilot, now live with Columbia Shipmanagement, focuses on digitalizing professional certificates for ship crews. Verified credentials are stored in a digital Seafarer Handbook, replacing paper documents and manual checks. Tasks that once took hours can now be completed in minutes, easing pressure on crews and operators.

Momentum is already building beyond the pilot. The Bahamas Maritime Authority has partnered with IDsure to introduce digital seafarer record books and competency certificates, showing growing interest among flag states in moving away from paper-based systems toward secure digital alternatives.

Crew identities and certificates are stored securely on mobile devices through a GDPR-compliant app developed by IDsure using SITA’s identity verification service to authenticate their national ID or passport. Seafarers stay in control of their personal data, while port authorities and operators can verify credentials instantly at each port call.

For shipping companies, port authorities, and regulators, the change is significant. Manual processes are replaced with real-time access to verified information. This helps reduce the risk of non-compliance and makes day-to-day operations simpler and more predictable. Over time, the approach also supports closer links with port and immigration systems, helping create a more connected maritime environment.

“This project is a glimpse into the future of global mobility,” said Pedro Alves, Senior Vice President at SITA. “Across every mode of transport, identity is still managed through paper-based and manual systems. By extending trusted digital identity to the maritime sector, we’re showing how the same secure technology that lets systems ‘speak’ to each other can also protect people’s personal data. It means crew identities can be checked instantly and safely wherever they travel, reducing delays, easing administrative burden for operators, and helping crews move faster between vessels and ports. What we’re building with IDsure and our partners in the SmartSea ecosystem isn’t just innovation at sea, it’s a model for how digital identity can connect the world, safely and seamlessly, initially for seafarers, but extending to all ocean goers.”

At its core, the initiative supports an industry employing more than two million seafarers across around 75,000 merchant ships and thousands of training centers worldwide. The solution links digital certificate and crew management with Port State Control processes, while keeping seafarers at the center through the IDsure mobile app.

“With this pilot, we are helping maritime authorities, training institutes, and shipping operators take a practical step toward digital certification,” said Jesper Holmgren, CEO at IDsure. “Working with SITA and Columbia Shipmanagement, we are replacing fragmented, paper-based processes with a more secure and verifiable digital approach built for global shipping.”

The pilot, initially focused on bridge officers, is only the beginning. Interest is already growing among maritime authorities looking to modernize certification and compliance.

SmartSea, was created to bring the same level of digital maturity seen in air travel to the maritime sector. This pilot is an early example of that strategy in action, showing how digital identity can improve efficiency, trust, and compliance across global maritime operations.