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.

Three shipments of grain from Ukraine departed from Odessa on Friday (5 August) with one bound for two ports in Ireland.

The bulk carrier Navi Star is bringing 33,000 metric tonnes of grain destined for use as animal feed to to Dublin Port and Foynes Port, with arrival expected in around two weeks, as TheJournal.ie reports.

Navi Star departed from Odessa on the Black Sea on Friday morning alongside the Rojen, carrying over 13,000 metric tonnes of grain to the UK, and the Polarnet with 12,000mt of grain bound for Turkey.

Along with the earlier shipment of 26,000mt of maize to Tripoli in Lebanon on the Razoni this past Monday, they mark the first successful movements arising from the recently negotiated deal between Russia and Ukraine that lifts the former’s blockade on the Black Sea.

Food prices worldwide have soared since Ukraine — which supplies much of the world’s grain — was prevented from exporting under the blockade that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February.

TheJournal.ie has more on the story HERE.

Howth Yacht Club offers so many ways to make your support for Ukraine go further.

The North Co Dublin club is matching donations through its crisis appeal for MSF on GoFundMe up to €5,000.

In addition, every euro of ever purchase of a flag or pennant (€15 for a small, €25 for a large) goes to the Irish Red Cross Ukraine Crisis appeal.

There are less than 25 flags left to purchase, so stop by the office this Easter weekend to get one before they’re gone.

Calling all dinghy, stand up paddle (SUP), kayak, rowing and small powerboat owners to a ‘Splash For Ukraine’ in Dun Laoghaire Harbour this Saturday 12th March at 1 pm in aid of the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis. Meet on the water at 1 pm by the bandstand on the east pier and sail/motor/paddle counter-clockwise around the harbour. Dinghies and powerboats are invited to do two laps, while SUPs, kayaks and rowing boats can do one.

We would ask that attendees donate what they can to the Irish Red Cross Ukrainian Crisis Appeal via this link https://donate.redcross.ie/ or via Revolut. We would also ask that everyone wear yellow and blue and if they have one, fly the Ukrainian flag from their craft or person.

Dun Laoghaire harbour waterfront club members should launch from their respective clubs and all other attendees are invited to launch from the public slipways by the east pier and coal harbour. We would ask that all attendees navigate at a safe speed (limit of 8 knots/15 kph) and observe all fairways.

All Notice to Mariners can be found on the Dun Laoghaire Harbour website - www.dlharbour.ie/harbour-information/notice-to-mariners/.

Organiser and local Laser dinghy sailor, Gavan Murphy, say’s ‘Like most, I’m appalled and horrified at the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces and the humanitarian crisis unfolding as Ukrainian people are being driven from their homes. I would invite all dinghy, SUP, kayak, rowing and small powerboat owners to attend this solidarity fundraising event in order to assist the Irish Red Cross with their efforts in supplying vital humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian people’

Follow on Instagram for updates #splashforukraine or contact Gavan Murphy on 087 2374591.

Spain’s Marca is reporting that a Ukrainian sailor was arrested over the weekend for attempting to sink the superyacht owned by his Russian employer.

The €7 million Lady Anastasia — which was partially sunk at Port Adriano in Mallorca — is the property of Alexander Mijeev, the head of a Russian state-owned military weapons company.

It’s emerged that a Ukrainian national arrested at the scene has worked on the luxury yacht for a decade.

And he claims he was spurred into action by news reports of a Russian missile strike on a block of flats in Kyiv amid the ongoing crisis in the country.

He reportedly told offers of the Civil Guard upon his arrest: “The owner of this boat is a criminal who makes a living selling weapons and now they kill Ukrainians."

Marca has more on the story HERE.