Philippines and Germany are in discussion for possible negotiation of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the recognition of seafarers’ certificates, including prospects for a paperless certification system through digital interface.
On the sidelines of the recent 34th IMO General Assembly in London, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan held bilateral dialogue with Germany maritime officials where she highlighted the vital role of Filipino seafarers in global trade, with 7,500 Filipinos currently serving on German-registered ships.
The meeting also covered technical cooperation and the implementation of a net-zero framework for greenhouse gas emissions.
MARINA expressed support for the initiative while noting the need for alignment with national authorities to address policy and technical challenges.
Germany, for its part, conveyed strong interest in collaborating with the Philippines on national action plans, alternative fuels, and just transition transport initiatives.
Malaluan also met with officials from Ghana’s Ministry of Transport to discuss maritime administration, inland transportation reforms, and seafarer deployment practices.
Ghana expressed interest in improving ferry operations for coastal and inland areas, while the Philippines shared its innovations in domestic ferry safety, including the adoption of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) ships and efforts to develop electric ferries aligned with IMO sustainability objectives. MARINA also outlined the Philippines’ institutional framework for seafarer protection and deployment. Both countries signaled readiness to pursue a possible MOU on technical cooperation.
Malaluan also reported that the Philippines and Sierra Leone are moving toward finalizing a Memorandum of Agreement recognizing seafarers’ certificates under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping, 1978 (STCW Convention).
The meeting also highlighted the strong presence of Filipino seafarers on Sierra Leone-registered vessels. Both sides agreed to explore deeper cooperation in capacity building, student exchange programs, and technical assistance.
In discussions with the Solomon Islands, MARINA—represented by Executive Director Samuel Batalla—affirmed its readiness to provide technical assistance to help ensure compliance with the STCW Convention.
The Philippines offered to formalize the recognition of seafarers’ certificates under Regulation I/10 and issued a letter of assurance outlining the development of a tailored technical cooperation program.
These engagements underscore the Philippines’ proactive role in maritime safety, sustainability, and seafarer welfare, while strengthening its collaboration with international partners.
