In order to enhance seafarer training, certifications, and watchkeeping for seafarers, the Panama Maritime Authority along with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure of the UAE signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a period of a period of five years on Dec. 10th, 2021.
The importance of this signing comes from providing seafarers the right knowledge and tools to be able to excel at their capabilities onboard. Seafarers who comply with the STCW certification can serve on vessels with the Panamanian or UAE flag.
The signing was held at IMO premises, making sure that this agreement can be implemented, reviewed and confirmed by the International Maritime Organization. Review and confirmation of such certificates will allow these seafarers to prove their compliance with the provision of the 1978 STCW Convention. In fact, Panama was re-elected this year as Category “A” of the Council of the International Maritime Organization, which led Panama to its eighteenth year of being recognized in such a category.
This recognized signing really pushes for the enhancement of seafarers in the industry as the drivers of the global supply chain. The UAE has already enabled the welfare of seafarers for years and signing this MoU with Panama only expands the importance that the UAE gives to these workers. It is a great step that Panama has opened its wings to such enhancement by promoting better training, facilities, and allowing for inspections and observing procedures, so that it can be reviewed by the IMO that both parties are complying.
Tags:
Panama, UAE, Emirates, seafarers, maritime industry, stcw, training, facilitiPanama, facilities,
