THE Philippines and Latvia have strengthened maritime cooperation with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) recognizing each other’s certificates issued under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) said.The agreement, formalized on the sidelines of the 11th session of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training, and Watchkeeping (HTW) this week, allows Latvian authorities to endorse certificates issued by the Marina. Under the agreement, the Maritime Administration of Latvia will issue an Endorsement of Recognition to Filipino seafarers who have obtained certificates from Marina. The process adheres to STCW Convention provisions, ensuring compliance with rigorous training and competency standards. Marina Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan and Maritime Administration of Latvia Director Jānis Krastiņš represented their respective governments in the signing ceremony. Marina in a statement said the pact ensures that the training, competence assessment, and certification of Filipino seafarers meet international standards under the STCW Code, bolstering the global mobility of the country’s maritime workforce.

LINK: https://seafarertimes.com/2020-21/node/9308