The UAE and Fiji sign a memorandum of understanding for mutual recognition of seafarers’ competency certificates

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DUBAI, 21 JANUARY / WAM / The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Republic of Fiji, represented by the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, regarding mutual recognition of maritime competency certificates, in accordance with Regulation “I/10” of the provisions of the 1978 Agreement on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers and its amendments.

The memorandum was signed at the Ministry’s headquarters in Dubai, on the UAE side, by His Excellency Engineer Mohammed Al Mansouri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs, while it was signed on behalf of the Republic of Fiji by His Excellency Naisa Tuinasiva, Assistant Minister of Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services.

The memorandum aims to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of maritime education and training, and mutual recognition of seafarers’ competency certificates issued by both sides, in a way that contributes to supporting the competence of maritime personnel working on board ships flying the flag of the two countries, raising levels of maritime safety, protecting the marine environment, and facilitating the movement of professional competencies in the maritime sector.

His Excellency Mohammed Al Mansouri stressed that the signing of the memorandum of understanding represents a qualitative step that reflects the UAE’s commitment to strengthening the maritime transport system in accordance with the highest international standards, and supporting mutual recognition of seafarers’ competency certificates, in a way that ensures the competence of maritime personnel and supports levels of maritime safety and security.

He said that the memorandum embodies the UAE’s keenness to expand its international partnerships in the maritime sector, and implement the provisions of the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Agreement, which contributes to facilitating the movement of maritime competencies, enhancing the reliability of national certificates, and supporting the competitiveness of the maritime fleet that flies the nation’s flag, in line with the strategic directions aimed at consolidating the UAE’s position as a leading global center for transport and maritime services.

His Excellency pointed out that the signing of the memorandum comes within the country’s efforts to enhance its competitiveness in the maritime sector, and to consolidate its position as a global center for transport and maritime services, by supporting international partnerships and developing the maritime transport system in accordance with international best practices.

For his part, His Excellency Naisa Tuinaseva stressed that the signing of the memorandum of understanding is an important step in strengthening bilateral cooperation between Fiji and the United Arab Emirates in the maritime sector, as it supports the international mobility of qualified seafarers, enhances regulatory cooperation, and confirms the commitment of the two countries to adhere to recognized international standards for maritime safety, efficiency and workforce development.

Under the memorandum, the two parties are committed to implementing the requirements of the international agreement, verifying the compatibility of training, evaluation and certification systems with the approved standards, in addition to allowing the exchange of technical visits to review the procedures for accrediting, registering and renewing certificates, and ensuring that the medical fitness standards of their holders are met.