MARINA, Norwegian Maritime Authority Sign MOA on Recognition of Certificates to Benefit Tens of Thousands of Filipino Seafarers
Philippine Ambassador to Norway Enrico T. Fos (center) hosted the MOA Signing by MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan (2nd from left) and NMA Acting Director General Alf Tore Sørheim (2nd from right). MARINA-STCW Office Executive Director Samuel L. Batalla (1st from left) and NMA Head of Department of Vessels and Seafarers Håvard Gåseidnes (1st from right) were also present at the ceremony on 13 May 2024 at the Philippine Embassy in Oslo, Norway.
OSLO 16 May 2024 – A Memorandum on Agreement (MOA) between the Philippines’ Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) concerning the recognition of Philippine-issued certificates under the terms of the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) was signed on 13 May 2024 in Oslo, Norway.
Philippine Ambassador to Norway Enrico T. Fos hosted and witnessed the MOA Signing by MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan and NMA Acting Director General Alf Tore Sørheim. In his welcome address, Ambassador Fos highlighted the occasion as a historic moment in the PH-NO bilateral maritime relations as the said MOA is expected to invigorate the collaboration and exchange of information between the two countries with regard to the recognition of national certificates under the terms of the STCW Convention. “With a more efficient system through digitalization and harmonization of processes, the technical and administrative capabilities of the maritime authorities will be reinforced resulting in a continuous and potentially increasing employment of Filipino seafarers in Norwegian shipping companies,” Ambassador Fos said.
In her speech at the signing ceremony, MARINA Administrator Malaluan said, “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.”
“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,” NMA Acting Director General Sørheim reiterated in his speech.
In implementing the MOA, there will be upgrading in the education, training and certification of the seafarers. Upskilling the Filipino seafarers on maritime technology, such as on decarbonization, will provide more opportunities for the Filipino seafarers in Norwegian vessels.
At the moment, Norwegian shipping companies employ about 25,000 Filipino seafarers aboard their ships or in their shipyards, accounting for one-third of the total number of seafarers on Norwegian-controlled vessels. It is anticipated that, with this remarkable cooperation between the maritime authorities of the two countries, the number of Filipino seafarers deployed on Norwegian-owned ships will increase substantially, estimated at about 25,000 in the next three to five years.
The special event was also witnessed and attended by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for the Maritime Sector Elmer Sarmiento, Executive Director Samuel L. Batalla (MARINA-STCW Office), Director Ramon C. Hernandez (MARINA-Shipyards Regulation Service), Department Head Håvard Gåseidnes (NMA-Department of Vessels and Seafarers), and representatives from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the shipping/maritime sector in Norway. END
Philippine Ambassador to Norway Enrico T. Fos (center) with MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan (2nd from left), NMA Acting Director General Alf Tore Sørheim (2nd from right), MARINA-STCW Office Executive Director Samuel L. Batalla (1st from left) and NMA Head of Department of Vessels and Seafarers Håvard Gåseidnes (1st from right) at the MOA Signing on 13 May 2024 at the Philippine Embassy in Oslo, Norway.
The special event was also witnessed and attended by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for the Maritime Sector Elmer Sarmiento, MARINA and NMA officials, and representatives from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the shipping/maritime sector in Norway.
After the MOA Signing by MARINA and NMA, the first technical working group (TWG) meeting was subsequently convened on 14 May 2024 at the Philippine Embassy in Oslo.
For more information, visit https://www.oslope.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHinNorway/ or https://www.instagram.com/phinnorway/.