Around 25,000 Filipino seafarers are expected to be employed onboard Norwegian-flagged vessels following the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) which recognizes their certification.

Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan and Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) Director General of Shipping and Navigation Alf Tore Sørheim signed a MOA on the Recognition of Certificates under the International Convention on the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers, 1978, as amended in Oslo last Monday May 13.

The MOA signifies a “significant step towards closer cooperation between the Philippines and Norway in the maritime domain,” according to Marina. 

It 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, and is intended to benefit the seafaring community and contribute to broader objectives such as maritime security and sustainable development, the agency added.

“With the [MOA], there is an expected increase of 25,000 seafarers to be employed onboard Norwegian flagged-ships,” Philippine Ambassador to Norway Enrico T. Fos said in a statement on Tuesday, May 14.

According to Marina, the MOA signing was aimed 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.” The 1978 convention was the first to establish basic requirements on training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers in an international level.

Further, Marina stated that the agreement also 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 Marina said.

“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,” it said.

The Philippine delegation during the ceremony was represented by 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. 

Meanwhile for Norway, the NMA officials present were Alf Tore Sørheim, Director General of Shipping and Navigation; Håvard Gåseidnes, Head of the Department of Vessels and Seafarers; and Finn Erik Olsen, Senior Legal Adviser of NMA.