A new partnership forged between Fiji and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) promises to enhance employment opportunities for qualified seafarers from Fiji on UAE-flagged vessels. This important Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) concerning the Mutual Recognition of Certificates of Competency for Seafarers was signed in Abu Dhabi on January 14, during the 16th Session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly.
Naisa Tuinaceva, Assistant Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, represented Fiji in signing this agreement with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. The MOU is poised to enable Fijian seafarers to access job opportunities that extend across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, all while adhering to international maritime safety and competency standards.
The Ministry emphasized that this agreement marks a pivotal advancement for Fiji’s maritime sector, reinforcing the nation’s commitment as a signatory to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention) under the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Beyond job access, the MOU is expected to foster new avenues for training, skill development, and career enhancement, thereby further solidifying Fiji’s reputation as a respected maritime nation.
The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) will serve as the competent authority for issuing and verifying the certificates in line with the MOU, ensuring compliance with international best practices in certification. “This agreement is a major breakthrough for our Fijian seafarers,” said Mr. Tuinaceva, highlighting the significance of this opportunity. He added that it grants direct access to international shipping and maritime employment in the UAE and the wider Gulf region, while ensuring that Fijian qualifications meet the highest global standards.
Furthermore, the agreement underscores Fiji’s dedication to promoting skilled labor mobility, enhancing maritime safety, and strengthening bilateral relations with the UAE. It aligns with national goals focused on skills development, foreign income generation, and fostering institutional cooperation within the maritime sector.
Effective immediately upon signing, the agreement is set to remain valid for five years, with the possibility of renewal, heralding a new era of opportunity for Fijian seafarers and strengthening their role in the global maritime industry.
Leave a comment