The United Arab Emirates, through the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, has signed an MoU with the Republic of Fiji to mutually recognize maritime certificates of competency (COC), strengthening cooperation in seafarer training, certification, and maritime standards.
The agreement complies with Regulation I/10 of the STCW Convention (1978), as amended. It was signed on behalf of the UAE by Eng. Mohammed Al Mansoori, Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and on behalf of the Republic of Fiji by Naisa Tuinaceva, Assistant Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services.
The memorandum seeks to enhance bilateral cooperation in maritime education and training, including the mutual recognition of seafarers’ certificates of competency. It aims to support the efficiency and mobility of maritime professionals serving on vessels of both countries, strengthen maritime safety standards, and protect the marine environment.
Under the MoU, UAE and Fiji are committed to implementing the convention’s requirements, ensuring their training, assessment, and certification systems meet approved standards, facilitating technical exchange visits to review certification procedures, and confirming that certificate holders meet the required medical fitness standards.
Al Mansoori, Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs affirmed that the signing of the memorandum represents a significant step reflecting the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its maritime transport ecosystem in line with the highest international standards, and to supporting the mutual recognition of seafarers’ certificates of competency in a manner that ensures workforce competence and reinforces maritime safety and security.
HE Eng. Mohammed Al Mansoori Undersecretary – Infrastructure and Transport Affairs
“This agreement reflects the UAE’s commitment to expanding its international partnerships in the maritime sector and to implementing the provisions of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). It contributes to facilitating the mobility of maritime professionals, enhancing the credibility of national certificates, and strengthening the competitiveness of the UAE-flagged fleet, in line with the strategic vision to position the UAE as a leading global hub for maritime transport and services.”
The Undersecretary further emphasized that the signing of the memorandum forms part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to enhance its competitiveness in the maritime sector and consolidate its status as a global center for maritime transport and services, through strengthening international partnerships and developing the maritime transport ecosystem in accordance with global best practices.
Naisa Tuinaceva, Fiji’s Assistant Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services, praised the progress made, saying the signing of the MoU marks an important step in strengthening bilateral cooperation between Fiji and the UAE in the maritime sector.
Tuinaceva said that the agreement will support the international mobility of qualified seafarers, enhance regulatory cooperation, and reaffirm both countries’ commitment to internationally recognized standards for maritime safety, professional competence, and workforce development.
