More jobs seen for Filipino seafarers as PH, Chile eye deal

MANILA, August 16 ------ More employment opportunities are on the horizon for Filipino seafarers as the Philippines and Chile move to strengthen maritime partnership through the mutual recognition of seafarers' certificates.

Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Sonia Malaluan announced the development as she welcomed Chilean Ambassador to the Philippines Felipe Alejandro Díaz Ibáñez during a courtesy meeting at the MARINA Central Office in Manila. The two sides discussed a proposed agreement to establish reciprocal recognition of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certificates issued by both countries.

The agreement, in line with Regulation I/10 of the STCW Convention, aims to ensure that seafarers certified by either country meet internationally accepted standards in maritime education, training, and certification. Once finalized, the agreement is expected to facilitate the recognition of Filipino seafarers' qualifications in Chile, creating more employment opportunities while strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation. The meeting also highlighted the shared commitment of both countries to developing a highly skilled maritime workforce and addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

Ibáñez, meanwhile, encouraged the Philippines to support initiatives under the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement, which promotes the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. MARINA said the proposed agreement forms part of its continuing efforts to expand international partnerships and strengthen global recognition of Filipino seafarers' competence and qualifications.

Source: pna.gov.ph