𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐊 | 𝐏𝐇 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞

The Philippines is strengthening its maritime cooperation with Sierra Leone to expand opportunities for Filipino seafarers. On the sidelines of the 111th Session of the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization in London, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration signed an Undertaking Agreement on the recognition of Filipino seafarers’ certificates. Under the agreement, Sierra Leone will recognize STCW certificates issued by MARINA, allowing qualified Filipino seafarers to serve on board Sierra Leone-flagged vessels, subject to the country’s laws and regulations. The agreement also aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in maritime training, certification, and compliance with international standards for seafarers. Representing the Philippines during the signing was MARINA-STCW Office Executive Director Samuel Batalla, while Sierra Leone was represented by SLMA Executive Director Dr. Daniel Kaitibi. According to MARINA, the partnership forms part of the government’s continuing efforts to expand employment opportunities for Filipino seafarers and reinforce the country’s strong presence in the global maritime industry. | via Merrowen Andong #DOTrPH #MARINAPH