A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Brunei Darussalam to enhance training for seafarers
On 12 April, the UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Maritime Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam signed an MoU for a period of five years. During the next five years, seafarers of both countries will be able to enjoy enhanced training standards and receive certificates that are recognised by international employers.
Under the MoU, seafarers who complete the training will receive a ‘Certificate of Recognition’ that represents an acknowledgement of his competency in seafaring by both countries. This certificate will be on par with the current national certification that are issued by the respective seafaring bodies in each country.
Significance of the MoU for seafarers
The UAE was elected to the International Maritime Organisation Council as a Category B member in 2019, which boosted its standing within the maritime community. Brunei Darussalam, on the other hand, is an oil-rich nation that shares its maritime borders with China and Malaysia. It is also considered a maritime nation.
As maritime nations, both countries are reliant on seafaring as part of their economic sustenance. To better train their seafarers, both sides have agreed to increase education for seafarers on maritime legislation and to make sure seafarers are provided adequate training for their posts onboard as well as improving the current training facilities.
Regarding the training and assessment for eventual certificates issuance by both countries, it will be in accordance to the requirements of the STCW Convention. Both the UAE and Brunei Darussalam will be able to request for information and inspect the trainings and assessments that are carried out by the other party to ensure that standards are upkept and in line with international requirements. The certificates awarded to seafarers will be recorded in registers and will be available for verification.
According to UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure H.E. Suhail Al Mazrouei, the MoU offers opportunities for seafarer to improve their craft with the assurance that their qualifications will be of quality and both countries will continuously aim for higher standards of training for their seafarers.
Crewing Online Media Team
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