The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure of the UAE (MOEIUAE) recently signed a Memorandoum of Understanding (MoU) with the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) at the IMO premises in London.
The deal was signed for a period spanning five years, ensuring boosting the training for seafarers, recognition of certificates at the end of both the parties and better watchkeeping for seafarers on an international level.
As per the MOEIUAE and Panama Maritime Authorities MoU announcement, both parties will be empowering seafarers who hold certificates of competency, proficiency for serving onboard vessels registered under the flags of either party.
As per the MoU signed, it aims to establish measures regarding that seafarers are educated with appropriate knowledge of the maritime legislation and are offered to educate training about the maritime laws and regulations to ensure that they acquire the required capabilities for the functions they are permitted to perform.
As per the sources from MOEIUAE, the MoU will ensure that both parties would communicate their seafarer certification systems to the IMO for its review and confirmation, in order to demonstrate full compliance with the provision of the 1978 STCW Convention.
Enhanced Training, Facilities, as well as recognition for the Certificates
As in line according to the agreement signed mutually between the Ministry and the Panama Maritime Authority, both the parties are bound by an obligation to ensure that the training and assessment of the seafarers are administered, supervised, and monitored in accordance with the provisions of the 1978 STCW Convention.
Furthermore, the agreement allows both parties to request access to the output of the quality standard evaluations, training, assessments of competence, medical certifications, endorsements, and revalidation activities carried out by each other, in order to ensure that both parties comply with the standards set by Regulation I/8 of the 1978 STCW Convention, Section A-I/8 of the STCW Code, and section A-I/9 of the STCW Code for the issuance of certificates.
Moreover, the agreement also executes both the parties to carry out inspections of the facilities, observe the procedures, or review the statutes which have been approved or employed by one another.
Statement from H.E. Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
She stated: “Seafarers are at the heart of our industry and are the drivers of the global supply chain. It is our duty to ensure that we work towards their welfare.”
She also added: “As agreed with the Panama Maritime Authority, not only will the certificates of our seafarers issued by either of us be recognized for near-coastal voyages, we will also work towards strengthening the technical and administrative capabilities regarding certifications, training, watchkeeping, and labour maritime affairs of our seafarers.”
Statement from Mohammed Khamis Al Kaabi, UAE Permanent Representative at the IMO
Mohammed stated: “The UAE has always been at the forefront of ensuring the progress of the maritime sector while also ensuring the welfare of our seafarers. As a result of our collaboration with the Panama Maritime Authority, we look forward to providing better training to our seafarers, along with improved facilities, and more recognized certification for their nature of work.”
He further added: “As part of our agreement, we will be communicating with each other regarding our training and certification procedures. This will allow us to learn from one another, and also discuss better ways to enhance theoretical and practical knowledge of our seafarers.”
Statement from Capt. Abdulla Darwish Al Hayyas, Director of Maritime Transport Affairs, UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
He stated: “With the help of the MoU signed between the Ministry and the Panama Maritime Authority, we look forward to extending our support to the seafarers’ community by ensuring improved training, better watchkeeping on an international level, better recognition for their certificates across the border, and easier accessibility into foreign coastal borders. Our aim through such agreements is to recognize and appreciate marine crews and put them on an equal footing with priority categories.”
Boosting Support to seafarers
UAE has always been at the forefront of supporting the seafarers’ community and has launched various initiatives that work towards their betterment. By launching the ‘Supporting our Blue Army’ initiative, the nation has worked towards improving the quality of life for seafarers and protecting their rights with ship owners and operating companies.
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