RU Russia Seaman’s book 3x4 cm Photo Requirements Guide - Official Guidelines

Requirements

• Photo size: exactly 30 × 40 mm (3 × 4 cm) after trimming, with a tolerance of ±5 mm
• Head size and placement: head height (chin to crown) must be 25–32 mm (70–80% of photo height), centered horizontally and vertically
• Background: uniform plain white or light‐grey, free of patterns, shadows, textures or objects
• Pose and orientation: full‐face view, directly facing the camera, with shoulders squared and head level (no tilt)
• Facial expression: neutral, mouth closed, lips relaxed, no visible teeth or exaggerated expressions
• Eye position: eyes open and clearly visible, located 10–15 mm below the top edge of the photo
• Lighting and contrast: even, diffused lighting to avoid shadows on face or background; natural contrast, no over- or under-exposure
• Glasses: permitted if frames are thin and unobtrusive; lenses must not reflect, glare, or be tinted; eyes must remain fully visible
• Head coverings: only allowed for religious reasons; must not obscure hairline, forehead, eyes, or contours of the face
• Attire: everyday clothing in contrast to the background; no uniforms, camouflage, or headbands; no headphones or accessories covering ears
• Photo quality: sharp focus, high resolution (minimum 300 dpi), natural skin tones; no creases, tears, ink marks, or dust
• Color and print medium: true‐color (24-bit), printed on high-quality matte or semi-gloss photo paper; chemical or professional inkjet prints accepted
• Retouching and editing: minimal—only to remove temporary blemishes or red-eye; altering facial features (shape, proportion) is prohibited
• Photo age: taken within the last six months and reflecting current appearance
• Borders and margins: borderless (full-bleed) printing preferred; if borders are present, they must be ≤ 1 mm and not interfere with size specifications

Step-by-Step Process

• First step: capture a compliant portrait
• Set up a plain, light‐grey or white background with even, shadow‐free lighting to meet Russian maritime requirements
• Use a digital camera or smartphone with at least 8 MP resolution; position the camera at eye level, 5–2 meters from the subject to prevent distortion
• Have the subject face the camera squarely, with a neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes fully open, and no head tilt
• Ensure no head coverings, sunglasses, tinted lenses or uniforms bearing rank insignia; simple dark civilian clothing without patterns is preferred
• Frame the shot so the top of the head and shoulders are visible; maintain at least 70 % head‐to‐photo height (21–28 mm of the 30–40 mm frame)
• Second step: crop, check and print to 3×4 cm
• Import the image into photo‐editing software, set canvas to 30 × 40 mm (3×4 cm) at 300 dpi, and position the subject so the eyes sit 60 % up from the bottom edge (24 mm)
• Crop precisely to the required dimensions, maintaining the correct head size and eye‐line; export as a high‐quality JPEG (minimum quality 8/12) or print directly from TIFF if available
• Verify the final image for correct color balance (natural skin tones), uniform brightness (no shadows) and sharp focus on eyes and facial features
• Print on professional, matte‐finish photo paper at a certified passport‐photo lab or using a calibrated photo printer; cut edges cleanly to exactly 30 × 40 mm
• Perform a final measurement check with a ruler: overall photo must be 3×4 cm, head height must be 21–28 mm, with 2–5 mm of margin above the head; repeat for each copy before sealing in your seaman’s book application packet

Tips and Best Practices

• Perfect Background: use a plain, light grey or white background with no shadows or patterns and ensure even lighting to avoid automatic rejection by Russian authorities.
• Correct Head Size: crop so the head (from chin to crown) fills 70–80% of the 3×4 cm frame with 3–5 mm space above hair—too small or too large triggers disqualification.
• Neutral Expression: maintain a natural, closed-mouth expression with eyes open and looking straight at the camera—smiling or frowning can invalidate your photo.
• No Reflections or Shadows: position lights at 45° angles and remove glasses glare by slightly tilting lenses down—shadows or reflections obscure facial features and lead to reprints.
• High-Quality Print: use a professional lab to print on matte photo paper at 300 dpi—low resolution, glossy finishes, or inkjet artifacts often result in non-compliance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the RU Russia Seaman’s 3×4 cm Photo Requirements Guide delivers a concise, authoritative roadmap for obtaining fully compliant seafarer photos. By following its precise measurements, quality standards, and presentation rules, applicants can avoid delays and rejections.

Key Specifications:

• Size: exact 30 × 40 mm dimensions with sharp, even borders
• Face coverage: head height between 70–80 % of photo height, centered vertically
• Background: uniform light-colored (white or light gray), no shadows or patterns
• Expression & posture: neutral face, mouth closed, eyes open, head straight, no tilt
• Image quality: high resolution (minimum 600 dpi), true-to-life color, no creases or marks
• Accessories: only thin-framed eyeglasses (no tinted lenses), no hats or headgear unless for religious reasons
• Validity: photo taken within the last 6 months under consistent lighting

Actionable Steps:

• Measure & Crop: use a precise template or professional service to ensure 30 × 40 mm output
• Set Up: position subject against a plain light background with even lighting from both sides
• Guide Pose: instruct neutral expression, direct gaze into camera, keep shoulders relaxed
• Capture & Review: verify high resolution, correct color balance, clear focus, and proper head size
• Finalize & Submit: produce prints on matte photo paper and digital files per maritime authority specifications

By adhering to these guidelines, seamen can secure accepted photos on the first attempt—avoiding costly rejections and ensuring smooth voyage documentation.