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.
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.
