PH, Cyprus agree to recognize seafarers' certificates

October 11 ------ More Filipino seafarers will now gain access to jobs aboard Cyprus-flagged vessels after the Philippines and Cyprus signed an agreement recognizing each other’s maritime qualifications, the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) announced.

According to Marina, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the recognition of certificates under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) was signed by Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos in Manila.

Marina STCW Office Executive Director Samuel L. Batalla, who witnessed the signing for the Philippine side and represented the maritime agency in the agreement, said the new pact also strengthened cooperation between Marina and the Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry as the two maritime authorities vowed to work together on certificate verification, information sharing, and visits to approved facilities.

The agreement covered the mutual recognition of Certificates of Competency (COCs) and Certificates of Proficiency (COPs) issued under the STCW Convention, allowing qualified Filipino seafarers to secure Recognition Endorsements needed to serve aboard ships flying the Cyprus flag. The same arrangement applies to qualified Cypriot seafarers serving on Philippine-flagged vessels. Kombos underscored the importance of Filipino seafarers to Cyprus’ maritime sector, noting that more than 15,000 Filipinos were working aboard Cyprus-flagged ships as of last year.

Cyprus also expressed support for the Manila Declaration, which promotes human rights at sea and stronger protection for seafarers, particularly during times of crisis. Batalla said these measures are intended to ensure compliance with international standards covering training, assessment, certification, and quality assurance.

The MOU replaced a 2001 undertaking under which Cyprus recognized Philippine-issued Certificates of Competency. According to Batalla, the country is one of the world's major sources of maritime workers, with Filipino seafarers serving aboard vessels operated under various foreign flags. He explained that recognition arrangements such as the new MOU with Cyprus allow their qualifications to remain valid for employment in international shipping. The signing further strengthened maritime cooperation between Manila and Nicosia while supporting the international mobility of Filipino seafarers, Batalla added.

Source: mb.com.ph