Jamaica and Canada have signed a Reciprocal Recognition Agreement to enable seafarers from both countries to work on ships sailing under either nation’s flags.

The agreement was signed at the London headquarters of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) by Director General of Marine Safety and Security at Transport Canada, Joanna Manger, and Director General of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ) Rear Admiral (retd) Peter Brady on Monday, August 14.

Admiral Brady said at the signing: “This is a milestone for both our countries’ seafarers and indeed our respective maritime and transport administrations. Utilising the facility of the STCW Convention (International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) we are able to allow our professional mariners to legally work on board the ships that are flagged by our two countries. For Jamaica, this is very important so that our seafarers get the opportunity to work on Canadian ships and be paid decent wages.”

He continued: “This is critical because internationally trading ships operate at global standards required by international rules and measures promulgated in treaties or conventions by the IMO.” The agreement authorises Jamaica and Canada to verify the quality of education at each other’s maritime training establishments.

For her part, Manger said the agreement would enable Canada to provide more job opportunities and to help its domestic partners who are looking for qualified seafarers interested in working or living in Canada. “We are extremely pleased to be able to sign this agreement with Jamaica today and to embark on this partnership.”

Jamaica now has undertakings for the recognition of certification under the STCW Convention with 22 countries. Admiral Brady noted that this was the first time both Jamaica and Canada had signed such an agreement at the IMO building.

Admiral Brady added: “For us, this is particularly significant because Jamaica and Canada have had strong relations for a number of years.”