UAE And Fiji Sign MoU For Mutual Recognition Of Seafarers' Certificates Under STCW

The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Fiji have agreed to mutually recognise maritime certificates of competency, aiming to support safer and more efficient seafaring between both states. The new Memorandum of Understanding focuses on qualified crew mobility, higher training standards, and better protection of the marine environment across their respective flagged fleets.

The arrangement covers seafarers working on vessels registered in either country and seeks to improve the credibility of national certificates. It also aims to strengthen skills within the maritime workforce, reinforce safety and security on board ships, and align regulatory practices with recognised international maritime training standards.

The MoU is concluded under Regulation I/10 of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended. This regulation governs how states acknowledge one another’s maritime certificates and requires compatible systems for training, assessment, certification, and ongoing compliance monitoring.

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure signs on behalf of the UAE, while the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services, and Transport represents Fiji. Eng. Mohammed Al Mansoori, Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs, signs for the UAE, and Naisa Tuinaceva, Assistant Minister for Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services, signs for the Republic of Fiji.

Al Mansoori states that the memorandum marks a notable advance in plans to develop the UAE’s maritime transport ecosystem according to international benchmarks. The agreement is presented as part of efforts to ensure that seafarers holding UAE or Fijian certificates are properly trained, thus improving safety and professionalism across fleets linked to both countries.

He added, "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."

Al Mansoori further highlights that the memorandum aligns with wider national objectives for the maritime sector. According to Al Mansoori, enhancing international cooperation and refining the maritime transport ecosystem will help consolidate the UAE’s status as a global centre for maritime transport and services, supported by alignment with global best practice.

For his part, Tuinaceva praises the joint work that leads to the MoU and underlines its significance for bilateral relations. Tuinaceva notes that the understanding strengthens cooperation between Fiji and the UAE in the maritime sector, supports the movement of competent seafarers internationally, and reinforces adherence to global norms on safety, competence, and workforce development.

Under the memorandum, both governments commit to meeting all relevant requirements of the STCW convention. They will confirm that their training, assessment, and certification systems match approved standards, and they will organise technical exchange visits to review how certificates are approved, registered, and renewed, while also confirming that certificate holders satisfy required medical fitness conditions.

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These commitments, together with the mutual recognition of certificates, are expected to support safer operations, more efficient crew deployment, and closer regulatory coordination between Abu Dhabi and Suva. The agreement also reflects continuing efforts by the UAE to expand maritime partnerships while supporting Fiji’s engagement with international maritime frameworks.

With inputs from WAM