Frequently asked questions

Maritime Passport is a digital identity and credentialing platform built specifically for the maritime industry. It allows flag states to issue, manage, and verify seafarer credentials digitally — replacing paper-based processes with a secure, standardised system that works globally.

Maritime Passport serves three main groups: flag states and maritime authorities who issue and oversee seafarer credentials; shipping companies and employers who need to verify crew qualifications quickly and reliably; and seafarers themselves, who carry and present their credentials through the platform.

The maritime industry still relies heavily on paper certificates that are difficult to verify, easy to forge, and slow to process. Maritime Passport makes credentials digital, instantly verifiable, and portable — reducing administrative burden for flag states while improving trust and efficiency across the industry.

Maritime Passport is an operational platform actively working with flag states and maritime authorities. If you would like to learn more, please contact us directly.

Maritime Passport supports the full range of seafarer credentials, including STCW certificates, CoC and CeC. The platform is designed to accommodate the credential types required by each flag state's regulatory framework.

Yes. The platform is built around the key international standards governing seafarer documentation: STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping), IMO regulations, MLC 2006 (Maritime Labour Convention), and ILO Convention 185 on seafarer identity documents. Compliance requirements are built into the platform's core — not added as an afterthought.

Yes. Flag states retain full authority to revoke or suspend credentials at any time. Revocation takes effect immediately — any attempt to verify a revoked credential will return a clear invalid status. This gives authorities real-time control, which paper systems simply cannot match.

Maritime Passport is designed to integrate with existing flag state systems. We work with each authority during onboarding to understand current workflows and data structures, and build the appropriate connections. Full replacement of existing systems is not required — the platform is built to complement what you already have.

Onboarding timelines depend on the complexity of each flag state's credential framework and existing systems. A straightforward onboarding can be completed in weeks. We work closely with your team throughout the process to ensure a smooth transition.

Yes. One of the core benefits of Maritime Passport is cross-border verifiability. A credential issued by any participating flag state can be verified by any other authorised party on the platform — whether that is another flag state, a port authority, or a shipping company.

The platform includes functionality for port state control integration. PSC officers can verify crew credentials quickly during inspections without relying on physical documents or manual checks with flag state registries. This reduces inspection time and removes opportunities for document fraud.

The underlying identity verification infrastructure is provided by Digidentity, a European trust service provider and qualified certificate authority. Digidentity operates under strict regulatory oversight and is responsible for the cryptographic security of credentials issued through Maritime Passport. For detailed information, contact us directly.

Seafarer data is encrypted at rest and in transit. The platform is built on a privacy-by-design principle — only the minimum data necessary is collected and stored. Seafarers control which data they share and with whom. No third party can access a seafarer's information without explicit authorisation.

Data is stored in secure, certified data centres in Europe. Storage practices comply with GDPR and applicable international data protection standards. If a flag state has specific data residency requirements, these can be discussed during onboarding.

No. The platform is designed so that seafarers remain in control of their own data. Flag states and authorised parties can verify credential validity, but do not have unrestricted access to the underlying personal data.

Maritime Passport is ISO 27001 compliant. The identity infrastructure underpinning Maritime Passport is operated by Digidentity, which holds certifications including ISO 27001 (information security management) and operates as a qualified trust service provider under eIDAS. These certifications are independently audited and renewed regularly. For a full list of Digidentity's current certifications: https://www.digidentity.eu/certifications

Digidentity provides the identity verification infrastructure that underpins all credentials issued through Maritime Passport. They are the trust anchor — the entity that ensures credentials and signatures are cryptographically valid and legally recognised. Maritime Passport builds the maritime-specific layer on top of this trusted foundation.

Credentials are issued as mDOC (mobile document) format, conforming to ISO 18013-5 — the same international standard used for mobile driving licences. This ensures they are tamper-proof, cryptographically verifiable, and compatible with global digital identity infrastructure.

No. Credentials can be presented and verified offline. This is an important design feature given that seafarers frequently operate in areas with limited connectivity. The ISO 18013-5 standard supports offline presentation without compromising security.

A seafarer presents their credential — either from the Maritime Passport mobile app or as a digital document — and the verifying party (a port authority, employer, or PSC officer) checks it using the platform's verification tools. The check confirms the credential's authenticity, validity, and current status in real time.

Yes. Seafarers access their credentials through the Maritime Passport mobile app, available for iOS and Android. The app stores credentials securely and allows seafarers to present them digitally. It also supports offline use for situations where internet access is not available.

Credentials are not stored only on the device — they can be recovered and reinstated to a new device following a secure identity re-verification process. A lost or stolen phone does not mean a seafarer loses access to their credentials permanently, and it cannot be used by an unauthorised person to access those credentials.