Brazil – Turkish seafarers
We have just been advised that the Brazilian Immigration Authorities in Paranagua have imposed a fine on a Turkish flag vessel carrying a crew with the new Turkish Seaman Books. The matter is still under investigation, and although we hope it will be possible to persuade the local authorities to recall their demands, we have found it prudent to bring the matter to the attention of those of our members who employ Turkish seafarers on vessels that are likely to call Brazil.As we understand the facts, the Turkish Maritime Authorities have duly notified the Brazilian Government of the new Seaman Books via the usual diplomatic channel, but the information has apparently not been communicated from the central Brazilian authorities to the local immigration authorities.
If you have a vessel likely to call Brazil in the near future, we suggest the following:To obtain a copy (in the Portuguese language) of the notification sent by the Turkish Embassy in Brazil to the central Brazilian Government, and to the extent possible a copy of the message whereby the notification is acknowledged by the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A copy of these documents should be kept onboard the vessel, and the master should be instructed to bring the correspondence to the attention of the Immigration authorities prior to their examination of the seaman books onboard the vessel. Your local agents in the port of call should be alerted to the above problem, and the documentation carried on board.
Source:SKULD Copenhagen