A new convention from the International Maritime Organization and the International Labour Organization (ILO), calls for new and more secure ID cards for seafarers, and makes it clear that only a biometric solution can satisfy the stricter demands. Steria is an european leader in biometric identification and is included on the list of ILO-compliant products.

The demand for better security and safety at sea stems from the new terror situation that has arisen after 11 September 2001. The International Maritime Organization and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have focused on this problem, resulting in ILO Convention 185. The convention calls for new and more secure ID cards for seafarers, and makes it clear that only a biometric solution can satisfy the stricter demands for security on board ships and in ports, while at the same time it should also make it simple for seafarers to travel from one country to the next.  Steria is an european leader in biometric identification and is included on the list of ILO-compliant products.

How it works
The maritime authorities in each country are responsible for introducing and issuing the new ID cards. The cards should be able to replace previous identification papers, and reduce visa requirements, but are not intended as a replacement for passports.


   
The biometric solution makes the card unique for the cardholder. The fingerprint is scanned and appears as a 2D bar code on the back of the ID card. When checking identity, the cardholder's finger is placed on a scanner, which checks whether the fingerprint is identical to the code on the card.

Reliable and easy
The development of the SteriaSID system has been based on Steria's experience with biometric ID solutions and knowledge gained from previous deliveries of ID systems. The IT company's previous deliveries include biometric solutions for the police and immigration authorities in 27 countries, the EU Commission and the new Schengen IT system: EURODAC, Schengen Information System (SIS II) and a Visa Information System (VIS).

SteriaSID is designed to fulfil the specifications of the The Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003, (No. 185) and at the same time pay very high attention to both the user and the user organisation. Keeping the need for training, complicated installation and costly application management at remote locations to an absolutely minimum, SteriaSID meets the needs for a modern and cost effectively organisation.
 The solution is based on a central web-server installed at a central domain for the organisation, letting all remote stations log on via their standard web-browsers. SteriaSID lets the client operate peripherals like fingerprint scanner, digital camera and signature pads using ActiveX components on their personal computers. There is no need for installation at the client site.

SteriaSID Server Unit
All data captured at the SteriaSID clients will be stored on the national SteriaSID server.This server consists of : Microsoft IIS 6.0 WEB server and Microsoft 2000 SQL server for registration of Personal information, client photo, client digital signature and fingerprint information.

The data captured at remote places using the client part of SteriaSID is then used for printing the cards at any location that the national authorities apply. This database will be the single point for maintaining and checking the data stored for each Seafarer. The Focal point will also access these data as needed, with reference to Article 4 in the Convention. Reports and statistical data can be extracted from the database. Based on the national policies, both the database and the web server can be duplicated and backed up in a real-time environment.

SteriaSID Client 
The client works through the user's standard web-browser where the official, registered user operates all functions through a standardised, easy to use dashboard-type user interface. The user simply chooses the task he/she will do, and is guided through the entire process. Simple drop down menus are used for setting up the client and to make sure that the client operates the peripherals in a correct matter.

The three main tasks for the user are:
1. Register or alternate a seafarer identity and prepare for production of ID card.
2. Card reading and identity check.
3. Check status for card (Focal point function) and database search.

There will be two major types of user stations:
• Enrolment stations, which operates a digital camera, fingerprint scanner and a signature pad. Reads to the central database and initiate a printing process.
• Control stations, which read the 2D-barcode template, scan the seafarer's finger and match them for identity check. The control station can be based on an off-line solution, but for ease of use and maintenance, we recommend an online or partial online solution.

SteriaSID centralized web server provides easy operation and access for remote workstations.

Security
The SteriaSID solution is delivered with a standard application based logon with username and password. For additional security access to the system, fingerprint / smart card technology can be integrated to the solution. Users connected to the system will be given access to different levels of the system, depending on the users tasks (i.e. Control station user has more rights than the restricted Focal point user).

To maintain the national security level and policy, the user organisation must consider what security measures that must be in place with the SteriaSID solution. Steria is certified ISO 17799 and ISO 9001, and have the necessary capabilities to consult the national organisation on how to maintain or improve information security.

About Steria
Extensive expertise in its three core businesses of consulting, systems integration and managed services has made Steria a leading end-to-end IT services provider for companies and public authorities throughout Europe. With a revenue of €1.1 billion and more than 9,000 employees, Steria is one of the top ten European IT services companies. Steria is listed on the Premier Marché of the Paris Stock Exchange (SRD) and in the SBF 120 index.

A european leader in biometrics
With more than several hundred security-specialised engineers and consultants in Europe, including 60 experts in the setting up of IT security plans, Steria is one of Europe's major players in this field. It has implemented over a hundred security projects for key European accounts, especially in the area of biometrics solutions integration (secure fingerprint exchange, facial recognition, access control in airports, etc.).

Here are some examples:

• European Commission - EURODAC: fingerprint recognition and secure transmission system, involving the European Commission as well as 16 countries of the European Union, to improve the asylum request processing system in Europe. Approximately 2 million applicants for immigration and asylum have been handled by the system by the end of 2004.

• Ministry of Interiors in Belgium (BELPIC project) - electronic ID card: deployment of the E-ID card involving 9 million users by the end of 2006.

• Major French Ministry: Information system security master plan.

• The Bavarian police in Germany: Management and transmission of fingerprints and other biometric data such as faces or signatures to national databases in a highly secure manner in order to facilitate information identification and recording procedures of criminal suspects

• Andalusian Ministry of Justice in Spain: Case management for all Andalusian courts, with guaranteed integrity of legal information and confidentiality of citizen information.

• RFV (Swedish Social Security): Smart card-based identification system for all 15,000 employees to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of citizen data in the information system.

• Sweden's government agency – e-ID card: Steria provides Swedish citizens issue electronic identification certificates, essential for setting up multi-service cards (identity cards, cards for accessing local government services, etc.).

CONTACTS
Martin Faleby, phone: +47 95 02 43 15
Lars V. Solbakken, phone: +47 99 47 00 30
e-mail: sales.biometrics@steria.no

For more information, visit: www.steriaSID.com
Steria AS, P.O. Box 2,
N-0051 OSLO, Norway

SteriaSID centralized web server provides easy operation and access for remote workstations.