Canada has entered into a reciprocal arrangement with the Republic of the Philippines for the recognition of certificates of competency and issuance of endorsements pursuant to regulation I/10 of the STCW Convention.
According to Transport Canada’s Safety Bulletin, seafarers with a valid Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) certificate issued by the Republic of the Philippines can now apply for a Canadian endorsement. Canadian seafarers can also seek a Filipino endorsement of a valid Canadian STCW certificate.
We are exploring considerations around security clearances, work visas and Transport Canada requirements that CCG will have to fulfil to obtain the STCW certification endorsement for each candidate
… said Fisheries and Oceans spokesman Craig Macartney to CBC news
This is good for our ship owners and in the North American supply chain as it will make the marine-centric part of the supply chain even more reliable
… said Bruce Burrows, CEO and president of the Chamber of Marine Commerce to CBC news
To remind, the “Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers,” was approved in March with the aim to ensure that they have “full protection” before, during, and after employment, especially in the event of maritime accidents, epidemics or pandemics, or other natural or man-made crisis.
