Panama, Japan Sign Bilateral Agreement On Seafarers Certification Recognition

The Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan (MLIT) have signed a Bilateral Cooperation Agreement concerning the mutual recognition of training and certification under Regulation I/10 of the International Convention on Standards of Training,Watch keeping Certification.(STCW).

The two maritime nations are to mutually recognise the other country’s seafarer training certificates for the first time.

The Agreement was signed by the Minister of Maritime Affairs, Noriel Araúz, and Japan’s Director General of the Maritime Affairs Bureau of MLIT, Ichiro Takahashi.

The AMP said the agreement underscores its commitment for the recognition of Panamanian seafarers’ qualifications by other Maritime Administrations. Panamanian seafarers will have opportunities to embark on Japanese flagged vessels, thanks to the agreement.

Japan has high standards of education and certification for seafarers, as well as being the world’s second country in number of ships per shipowner.

“The Panama Ship Registry is the registry of choice in Japan, for which we are grateful for the trust placed in us and we will continue strengthening it.

“The signing of this agreement comes at a significant moment, since it represents the culmination of approaches and related activities between both Administrations,” said Minister Arauz.