Executive Board Chairman for MSAF, Mr. David Kolitagane,
His Excellency Young-Kyu Park, Korean Ambassador to Fiji,
The MSAF Board,
Members of the Korean Delegation and community in Fiji,
Ladies and Gentlemen
Bula and Good morning to you all.
I am delighted to be here today to witness the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). An MOU that formalises and deepens the partnership between the two organisations and also our nations.
This is a significant milestone in our ongoing collaboration.
Ladies and Gentlemen
For years, we had directed focus and expertise on fostering international involvement in the areas of Maritime training and education. This has been through the recognition of certification of competency of seafarers for the purpose of implementing the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers (STCW).
Ladies and Gentlemen
The MOU will give recognition to Seafarers holding certificates of competency issued as per the STCW Convention and serving on board ships flying the flag of the other country. It simply means that the Republic of Fiji will recognise the Korean seafarers and the Republic of Korea will recognise Fijian seafarers who are issued certificates pursuant to the STCW Convention.
Ladies and Gentlemen
We thank the Government of the Republic of Korea for collaborating with us. This partnership will provide mutual recognition and foster partnerships towards a socially, financially and environmentally sustainable global maritime industry.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Fiji has signed seven MOUs with countries for the mutual recognition of marine qualifications and/or maritime certificates. Fiji will continue to strive to build strong partnerships that allow Fijian seafarers to work as part of the international global supply chain.
The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) estimates that there are 500 qualified Fijian licensed seafarers, who are foreign-going. The MOU signed today will ensure that our seafarers are recognised in the maritime administrative body in the Republic of Korea.
Ladies and Gentlemen
We continue to fulfil our international obligations emanating from the International Maritime Organisation Conventions, especially STCW, to ensure that our seafarers are qualified.
To keep our seafarers visible and recognised for the role they play, Fiji is working towards the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel or the STWC-F and the domestication of the Maritime Labour Convention.
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is my hope that this MOU will bring about peace of mind to our seafarers as well as to both our organisations.
In closing, I would like to express again my sincere thanks to the Government of Korea- the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries,
Thank you to the Korean Ambassador, H.E. Young-Kyu Park and the Korean delegation that’s present here this morning in making this MOU a reality.
With goodwill, clear ambitions and a strong commitment to work together, we look forward to our seafarers fully utilising this MOU, and our organisations working together to ensure that we are on a level playing field with others.
Vinaka vakalevu, Gamsahamnida.