Today (May 3) at the Office
of the President, Taiwan and Tuvalu signed the Agreement Between the
Governments of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Tuvalu Recognizing Training
and Certification for Seafarers Serving on Tuvalu-Registered Vessels on the
Basis of the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training,
Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. This Agreement helps bring the
goal of allowing seafarers on Taiwan's commercial vessels to travel freely on
international routes one step closer.
The Maritime and Port Bureau
(MPB) stated that serving as a seafarer on a commercial vessel is an
international trade. To receive work certification to serve on a commercial
vessel on international routes, one must complete all professional training
required by the International Convention on Standards of Training,
Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). Taiwan is not a member of
the International Maritime Organization (IMO). As a result, helping Taiwan's
seafarers to move freely on international routes requires signing individual
agreements with the member countries, or receiving permission via
authorization. Only then can Taiwan's seafarers serve on that country's vessels.
Currently, countries that
recognize Taiwan's seafarer training and professional certifications include
the Marshall Islands, Panama and Liberia. With the addition of Tuvalu,
Taiwanese seafarers can now use a certificate of competency issued by Taiwan to
receive Tuvaluan recognition. This expands employment opportunities for
Taiwanese seafarers on the international shipping market. The MPB further
stated that the Bureau will continue to work toward the Quality Maritime
Environment Service Provider administrative goal by strengthening international
cooperation and striving toward recognition of Taiwan's seafarer certifications
from all countries, which will in turn enhance Taiwan's international
visibility.
Contact Person:
Crew Management Division Section Chief
Chen Wei-En
Contact Number: 02-89786288,
0963-166-917