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Panama and Japan ink agreement on seafarer cert recognitionPanama and Japan ink agreement on seafarer cert recognition

Panama and Japan are to mutually recognise the other country’s seafarer training certificates for the first time.

Michele Labrut, Americas Correspondent

April 27, 2022

1 Min Read
japan panama signing
Photo: AMP

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,

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.

About the Author

Michele Labrut

Americas Correspondent

Michèle Labrut is a long-time Panama resident, a journalist and correspondent, and has continuously covered the maritime sector of Central & Latin America.

Michèle first came to Panama as a press attaché to the French Embassy and then returned to the isthmus as a foreign correspondent in the 1980s.

Author of Seatrade Maritime's annual Panama Maritime Review magazine and of several books, Michèle also wrote for Time magazine, The Miami Herald, NBC News and the Economist Intelligence Unit. She has also collaborated in making several documentaries for the BBC and European and U.S. television networks.

Michèle's profession necessitates a profound knowledge of the country, but her acumen is not from necessity alone, but a genuine passion for Panama.

In 2012 she was awarded the Order of Merit (Knight grade) by the French Government for her services to international journalism and in 2021 the upgrade to Chevalier grade.

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