UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Panama Maritime Authority for five years to ensure enhanced training and better watchkeeping for seafarers on an international level.
Under the MoU, the UAE Ministry and the Panama Maritime Authority will enable seafarers who hold certificates of competency and proficiency to serve onboard vessels registered under the flag of either party.
According to the statement, the agreement intends to implement mechanisms to ensure that seafarers are educated and trained in maritime rules and regulations to ensure that they have the necessary competencies for the roles they are allowed to perform.
Furthermore, the MoU will ensure that both parties submit their seafarer certification systems to the IMO for assessment and confirmation, demonstrating complete compliance with the STCW Convention of 1978.
As per the MoU, both the Ministry and the Panama Maritime Authority are required to ensure that the training and assessment of seafarers are administered, supervised, and monitored in compliance with the terms of the 1978 STCW Convention.
Moreover, the agreement also permits 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.
Ms. Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure said, “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, trainings, watchkeeping, and labor maritime affairs of our seafarers.”
Mohammed Khamis Al Kaabi UAE Permanent Representative IMO
“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. 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.”
“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,” commented Capt. Abdulla Darwish Al Hayyas, Director of Maritime Transport Affairs at UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
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