The Philippines and Australia strengthened maritime cooperation with the signing of a new memorandum of understanding that boosts the global recognition of Filipino seafarers’ certificates under international maritime standards.
MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan and Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown, PSM, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the mutual recognition of certificates under Regulation I/10 of the 1978 Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention, as amended. The agreement updates the 2002 arrangement, clarifies MARINA’s role as both issuing and recognizing authority, and strengthens cooperation and communication between the two maritime administrations.
According to Administrator Malaluan, the memorandum reaffirms both countries’ commitment to solidify the internationally compliant system for the training, assessment, and certification of Filipino seafarers in line with global maritime standards.
While Ambassador Innes-Brown, emphasized Australia’s continued partnership with the Philippines in promoting maritime quality and safety.
The MOU is expected to support the ongoing employment of Filipino seafarers on Australian-flagged vessels and provide a reference for port State control authorities in verifying the authenticity of STCW certificates.
The event also highlighted Australia’s endorsement of the Manila Declaration on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety, and Well-being, reinforcing the shared commitment of both countries to advancing seafarers’ rights, safety, and overall welfare.| via Ronna de los Santos
