The Philippine Embassy in Norway estimates that 25,000 Filipino seafarers can be deployed to Norwegian-owned vessels in three to five years following the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Philippines’ Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA).
Philippine Ambassador to Norway Enrico T. Fos hosted and witnessed the MOA Signing on May 13, 2024, in Oslo, by MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan and NMA Acting Director General Alf Tore Sørheim.
Ambassador Fos hailed the event as a historic moment in Philippine-Norwegian maritime relations, emphasizing the agreement’s provision for recognizing Philippine-issued certificates under the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
“With a more efficient system through digitalization and harmonization of processes, the technical and administrative capabilities of the maritime authorities will be reinforced resulting to a continuous and potentially increasing employment of Filipino seafarers in Norwegian shipping companies,” said Ambassador Fos.
Currently, about 25,000 Filipino seafarers work aboard Norwegian ships or their shipyards, representing one-third of the seafarers on Norwegian-controlled vessels. The agreement is expected to double this number, with an additional 25,000 Filipino seafarers having the potential to be deployed over the next three to five years.
A newly signed MOA between the Philippines’ Maritime Industry Authority @DOTrMARINAPH and the Norwegian Maritime Authority facilitates more seamless recognition of Filipino seafarers' credentials. Photo of MOA signing from PH Embassy in Norway. @DFAPHL Report via @GoodNewsPinas_ pic.twitter.com/9BX69UtUZT
— Angie Quadra Balibay (@AngieQBalibay) May 15, 2024
The MOA outlines initiatives to upgrade the education, training, and certification of Filipino seafarers, particularly in maritime technology such as decarbonization, creating more opportunities for them on Norwegian vessels.
MARINA in its report highlighted several key points in the agreement:
- Cooperation in adhering to STCW standards and ensuring compliance with regulations governing the issuance of Certificates of Recognition.
- Quality assurance and inspection mechanisms, with periodic inspections of approved facilities and procedures.
- Transparent procedures for handling disciplinary measures, including the suspension, revocation, or withdrawal of Certificates of Recognition.
MARINA Administrator Malaluan shared her confidence in the MOA’s provisions. “We are confident that this MOA will not only facilitate the seamless recognition of Filipino seafarers’ credentials but will also serve as a catalyst for expanded opportunities in the maritime sector and beyond. Through this partnership, we aspire to cultivate a platform for technical cooperation that transcends borders, fostering innovation and excellence in maritime practices, particularly on digitalization and decarbonization, making our Filipino seafarers future-ready.”
NMA Acting Director General Sørheim affirmed the importance of Filipino seafarers, stating, “Filipino seafarers are important for the international Norwegian merchant fleet, and we very much appreciate the competence they bring and their very important contribution to the Norwegian flag.”
The signing ceremony was also attended by officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), MARINA, NMA, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives from the shipping and maritime sector in Norway.
The Philippine Embassy in Norway, under the leadership of Ambassador Fos, also supports land-based Filipinos and students from the Philippines competing in international events hosted by Norway.
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