Do seafarers need a visa to go to sea?

Sailors need visas to sail at sea. The seafarers' certificate of the People's Republic of China is issued by the Maritime Safety Administration of the People's Republic of China or its authorized maritime authorities. Extension and replacement abroad shall be handled by China's diplomatic representative offices, consular offices or other overseas offices authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Seafarers of China nationality who work on ships of China nationality sailing on international routes or those of China nationality who are sent by relevant domestic departments to work on ships of foreign nationality may obtain seafarers' certificates. Its legal basis is the Measures of the People's Republic of China for the Administration of Seafarers' Certificates promulgated by the Ministry of Communications. The seaman's certificate of the People's Republic of China is valid for five years.