Minister Jack Chambers, on behalf of Ireland, concluded and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ukraine on Thursday (1 February) for the mutual recognition of seafarers’ qualifications.

This MOU is an update of the existing arrangement wherein Ireland recognised Certificates of Competency from Ukraine as valid for service on board ships flying the Irish flag. This new MOU is now bilateral, meaning there is mutual recognition between the two states.

The arrangements have also been updated to reflect the requirements of the International Convention for Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and EU Directive 2022/993 on the minimum level of training of seafarers.

Ukraine is a very important state for the training and supply of high-quality seafarers to world shipping. The new MOU is welcomed by Ukraine and Ireland and secures a supply of highly qualified seafarers for Irish ship-owners.

The MOU was signed by Jack Chambers, Minister of State at the Department of Transport who welcomed the delegation from Ukraine.

Speaking at the event, the minister said: “I would like to welcome the Ukrainian delegation to Dublin and thank them for their cooperation towards this significant development. This understanding between our two countries will play an important role in increasing the supply of skilled workers into the Irish shipping sector. I would also like to wish Ukraine all the support as they continue with the process of joining the EU.”

Ukraine’s Ambassador to Ireland Larysa Gerasko said: “I thank the minister and Ireland for hosting the delegation and welcomed the visit as important in supporting Ukraine as they move to join the EU.”

Head of the State Service for Maritime, Inland Waterway Transport and Shipping of Ukraine, Yevhenii Ihnatenko said: “I would like to thank the Minister and his officials for their hospitality during the visit as well as the Head of the National Maritime College of Ireland and staff for the courtesy they have shown during the visit to the college.”

The delegation of six senior officials from the Maritime Administration of Ukraine are visiting Ireland as part of the accession process of Ukraine to become a member of the European Union. The visit is being facilitated by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). The Department of Transport has arranged a series of engagements during the week specifically to share experiences with the training of seafarers.