The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), representing the Philippines, and the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the Recognition of Certificates under the International Convention on the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers, 1978, as amended.

The signing of the MOA on 13 May 2024 aims at fostering good relations and mutual interests and grounds itself in the principles of equal partnership and adherence to the provisions of the STCW Convention. Key provisions of the MOA emphasize the importance of adherence to national laws, conditions for recognition, compliance with the STCW Convention, and mutual cooperation in fortifying technical capabilities.

The agreement emphasizes cooperation in adhering to STCW standards and ensuring compliance with regulations governing the issuance of Certificates of Recognition, monitoring of training and assessment processes, and maintaining accurate registers of certificates and endorsements.

Quality assurance and inspection mechanisms are also incorporated into the agreement, with provisions for periodic inspections of approved facilities and procedures. This aspect underscores the commitment to upholding rigorous standards and continuous improvement in maritime training and certification practices.

Additionally, the agreement outlines procedures for handling disciplinary measures, ensuring that any suspension, revocation, or withdrawal of Certificates of Recognition for disciplinary reasons is communicated promptly and transparently between the parties involved.

The signing of this MOA signifies a significant step towards closer cooperation between the Philippines and Norway in the maritime domain. This agreement aims to facilitate the recognition of seafarers’ certificates, with the goal of maintaining high standards of safety, competence, and professionalism within the global maritime industry. Additionally, it is intended to benefit the seafaring community and contribute to broader objectives such as maritime security and sustainable development. Ambassador Fos is confident that with the MOU, there is an expected increase of 25,000 seafarers to be employed onboard Norwegian flagged-ships.

The officials present during the signing ceremony from the Philippines side included Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for Maritime Elmer Francisco Sarmiento, MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan, STCW Office Executive Director Samuel L. Batalla, and MARINA Office of the Administrator, Chief of Staff Engr. Ramon C. Hernandez. For Norway, the NMA Officials were Mr. Alf Tore Sørheim, Director General of Shipping and Navigation, Mr. Håvard Gåseidnes, Head of the Department of Vessels and Seafarers, and Mr. Finn Erik Olsen, Senior Legal Adviser of NMA.

The MARINA acknowledges the Philippine Embassy in Oslo, Norway, and expresses gratitude to Ambassador Enrico T. Fos for facilitating and hosting the signing ceremony.

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