Filipino Seafarers’ Training Certificates Now Recognized by Latvia

The recognition of training certificates for Filipino seafarers received a boost with the signing of a bilateral agreement between the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) and the Maritime Administration of Latvia in London, United Kingdom. The agreement, signed by Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan and Maritime Administration of Latvia director Jānis Krastiņš, aims to recognize the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) certificates issued by Marina. This development is in line with regulation I/10 of the STCW Convention and was finalized during the 11th session of the International Maritime Organization’s Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training, and Watchkeeping.

As part of the agreement, the Maritime Administration of Latvia will issue an Endorsement of Recognition for certificates granted by Marina, ensuring that Filipino seafarers’ training and competence assessment adhere to the standards set by the STCW Code. The pact also includes provisions for continuous monitoring of education, training, assessment, certification, endorsement, and revalidation activities through a quality standards system. Additionally, the endorsement of certificates will be conducted in accordance with regulation I/2, paragraph 5 of the STCW Convention, further solidifying maritime cooperation between the Philippines and Latvia.

Marina emphasized that the agreement with Latvia marks the 65th bilateral agreement the Philippines has secured with other countries for the recognition of STCW certificates. This milestone not only strengthens maritime cooperation between the two nations but also enhances international maritime standards and provides more opportunities for Filipino seafarers to work on Latvian-flagged vessels. The signing of this agreement underscores the commitment to upholding the highest standards in maritime training and certification, benefiting both Filipino seafarers and the global maritime industry.

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