To expand global employment opportunities for Filipino maritime professionals, the Philippines, through the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), has signed an undertaking agreement with the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA).
The landmark agreement establishes mutual cooperation on the recognition of seafarers’ certificates, ensuring both nations advance maritime training and certification standards in strict compliance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended.
The agreement was officially signed on May 20, 2026, on the sidelines of the 111th Session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 111) at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters in London.
Under the terms of the Undertaking, Sierra Leone will formally recognize STCW certificates issued by the Philippines. This allows qualified Filipino seafarers holding valid MARINA credentials to serve on board Sierra Leone-flagged vessels, subject to the applicable maritime laws and procedures of Sierra Leone.
The signing ceremony was led by SLMA Executive Director Dr. Daniel B. Kaitibi, who signed on behalf of Sierra Leone, and MARINA-STCW Office Executive Director Samuel L. Batalla, who witnessed the agreement on behalf of the Philippines.
“This partnership underscores the growing maritime relationship between our two nations,” said Executive Director Batalla. “It not only reinforces the Philippines’ standing as a premier global maritime hub but also opens critical new pathways for our highly skilled workforce on the global stage.”
The Philippines remains the world’s top supplier of maritime labor, with Filipino seafarers globally recognized for their exceptional competence, professionalism, and adherence to rigorous international standards. This latest bilateral agreement reflects MARINA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening international maritime ties, ensuring full STCW compliance, and securing robust, safe, and legal employment opportunities for Filipino mariners worldwide.
