Bermuda Seaman’s Discharge Book:
How to Obtain It Officially
REF NO: MML-006
The Bermuda Seaman’s Discharge Book is an official seafarer document issued by the Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority (BSMA).
It is used to record a seafarer’s employment and sea service and forms part of the official documentation used by crew members serving on Bermuda-registered vessels. Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority
Who Can Apply
According to the current BSMA information, crew members serving on Bermuda-registered ships are required to hold a Seaman’s Discharge Book or another recognized discharge book issued by a Red Ensign Group administration.
Applications are normally submitted by the Crew Manager or Ship Manager on behalf of the individual seafarer. Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority
This means that a seafarer should first confirm that the vessel is registered under the Bermuda flag and that the employer or ship manager is prepared to support the application.
Application Procedure
The application process can be completed electronically.
The general procedure is:
- Obtain the official Bermuda Seaman Discharge Book application form.
- Complete the required personal and employment information.
- Prepare the supporting documents requested by BSMA.
- The Crew Manager or Ship Manager submits the application on behalf of the seafarer.
- The completed application is sent to the BSMA department responsible for Seafarers’ Discharge Books. Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority
BSMA also publishes the official procedure PSEA 275 — Procedure for Issue of a Seaman’s Discharge Book. Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority
Supporting Documents
The exact document package should always be checked against the current BSMA application form and Guidance Notes before submission.
Depending on the case, the application may require identification details, photograph, employment information and confirmation connected with service on a Bermuda-registered vessel.
Because requirements may be updated, applicants should use the current BSMA form rather than relying on unofficial internet instructions.
Processing Time
BSMA states that a single correctly prepared Seaman’s Discharge Book application can normally be processed within approximately 24 hours. Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority
This processing time should not be confused with the total delivery time required to send the physical document to the ship manager or seafarer.
Official Fee
The current BSMA FAQ lists the cost of a Seaman’s Discharge Book as:
USD 85.00
BSMA accepts payment by methods including credit card, bank transfer and wire transfer. Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority
Important: Discharge Book and Bermuda Endorsement Are Different Documents
A Bermuda Seaman’s Discharge Book should not be confused with a Bermuda STCW Endorsement.
Bermuda does not issue its own Certificates of Competency. Instead, it recognizes certificates issued by accepted maritime administrations and issues Bermuda endorsements where required for officers serving on Bermuda-registered ships. Ukraine is included among the countries whose certificates may be recognized for Bermuda endorsements. Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority
Therefore, depending on the seafarer’s rank and position, a person may require both:
Seaman’s Discharge Book — for employment and sea-service records;
Bermuda Endorsement — recognition of the officer’s national Certificate of Competency for service under the Bermuda flag.
Official Contact
For applications and questions concerning Seafarers’ Discharge Books, BSMA provides a dedicated contact channel.
The official BSMA guidance and current contact information should always be checked before sending documents, because contact addresses and procedures can be updated. Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority
Important Notice for Seafarers
A Bermuda Seaman’s Discharge Book should be obtained only through the official BSMA procedure or through the seafarer’s authorized Crew Manager / Ship Manager.
Seafarers should be cautious about private advertisements offering a “Bermuda Seaman’s Book” without confirming the vessel, employer and application procedure with BSMA.
The practical rule is simple:
First confirm employment on a Bermuda-registered vessel, then follow the official BSMA application procedure through the Crew Manager or Ship Manager.
Official Sources
Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority — Seafarers / Discharge Books Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority
BSMA — PSEA 275: Procedure for Issue of a Seaman’s Discharge Book Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority
BSMA — FAQ: Processing Time, Fee and Payment Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority
BSMA — Bermuda Guidance Notice 2021-09: ILO 108 and Seaman’s Discharge Books