The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Embassy of Chile in the Philippines are establishing a framework for the reciprocal recognition of International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) certificates issued by both countries.
The proposed agreement on reciprocal recognition is in relation to the Regulation I/10 of the STCW, 1978, as amended. This will also reaffirm both countries’ mutual commitment to upholding internationally accepted standards in maritime education, training, and certification.
Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan, together with other MARINA officials, welcomed Chilean Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Felipe Alejandro Díaz Ibáñez to the MARINA Central Office in Port Area, Manila, on 31 July 2026. The two parties discussed the shared commitment of the Philippines and Chile to empowering the maritime workforce. It also seeks to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Prior to this, MARINA had formalized partnerships with various countries for the reciprocal recognition of STCW certificates, as well as for expanding bilateral cooperation.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Ibáñez encouraged MARINA to actively support initiatives related to the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), which aims to promote the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
The meeting was also attended by STCWO Executive Director Samuel Batalla, MARINA Acting Deputy Administrator for Education, Training and Certification Presca Lee Lugo, and Chief of Staff of the Administrator and Overseas Shipping Service Director Engr. Ramon Hernandez.
