Kenyan seafarers may soon find it easier to secure jobs in South Korea’s maritime industry following the signing of a mutual recognition agreement on maritime certificates between the two countries.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU), concluded under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), establishes a framework for recognising certificates issued by Kenya and South Korea’s maritime authorities.
The agreement follows months of consultations and is aimed at ensuring that qualifications held by seafarers trained in either country are mutually acknowledged, easing mobility within the global shipping sector.
Recognition of maritime certificates is a key requirement in international shipping, where seafarers must hold qualifications accepted by the flag state of the vessel on which they serve.
Under the STCW Convention, countries are allowed to enter into agreements recognising each other’s training and certification systems, provided they meet internationally agreed standards.
The deal comes as Kenya continues to expand its pool of trained seafarers graduating from local maritime institutions. However, industry stakeholders have previously pointed to limited recognition of Kenyan certificates in some foreign jurisdictions as a major barrier to overseas employment.
South Korea, one of the world’s leading shipbuilding and maritime nations, operates a large commercial shipping fleet, making it a significant destination for global seafarers.
With the new agreement, Kenyan certificates will now be considered within South Korea’s regulatory framework in line with STCW requirements.
“A proud moment for Kenya's maritime sector. This has been a journey of sustained engagement, consultations and collaboration between our two countries. Through open dialogue and the goodwill demonstrated by both Kenya and South Korea. For Kenyan seafarers, this is more than just a signed document. It means greater recognition of their qualifications, more access to international opportunities, and ultimately more jobs,” said Blue Economy and Maritime CS Hassan Joho
He added that it creates “Pathways for our youth, strengthening Kenya's position in the global maritime industry, and ensuring that the blue economy works for our people.This achievement reflects our shared commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation.”
The agreement adds to a growing list of maritime cooperation deals Kenya has signed in recent years.
In May, Kenya and Tanzania signed a memorandum of understanding on the mutual recognition of maritime certificates during President William Ruto’s state visit to Tanzania. The deal also covered cooperation on maritime safety, security and transport management.
Kenya’s maritime sector has in recent years received increased investment in port infrastructure, maritime training and initiatives aimed at expanding the number of qualified seafarers.
According to maritime officials, such recognition agreements are widely used internationally to support the movement of skilled maritime personnel between countries.
The Kenya–South Korea agreement will take effect after the completion of administrative and regulatory processes by the two maritime administrations.
Comments
Sign in with Google to comment, reply, and like comments.
Continue with Google