The Philippines and Qatar’s Ministry of Transport have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the mutual recognition of seafarers’ certificates.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) said the MOU is a revision of a 2006 agreement between the two countries and aligns with the amendments of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

The MOU, signed at the sidelines of the state visit of the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani Monday, would help facilitate the employment of Filipino seafarers onboard Qatari-flagged vessels as well as comply with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

“This MOU not only promotes decent work opportunities but also supports economic growth within the maritime industry, in line with the broader global agenda for sustainable development,” it said.

The MOU was signed by Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista and Qatar’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Al Thani witnessed the signing ceremony.

During the visit, Marcos expressed confidence in a stronger collaboration between the two countries while Al Thani highlighted the importance of the Philippines as a partner in trade. (PNA)