The General Directorate of the Merchant Navy and the National Directorate of Aquatic Spaces (DIRNEA), of the Republic of Ecuador, have signed an agreement that will allow for the recognition of competency titles and certificates of proficiency for seafarers from both countries.
Specifically, the recognition will be made through the endorsement of titles, “so that they can provide services on board ships registered under the flag of either of the two,” explains the Merchant Navy.
Prior to the endorsement of titles, Ecuador and Spain may carry out training activities on maritime regulations and legislation and convene the necessary examinations “so that officers acquire appropriate knowledge and relevant capabilities.”
The agreement for the mutual recognition of training and certification complies with regulation I/10 of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention’78, as amended).
As noted by the Director General of the Merchant Navy, Ana Núñez, and the National Director of Aquatic Spaces, Hugo Ramiro Armijos, during the signing, “it benefits both parties and marks the beginning of closer collaboration in civil maritime matters between the two countries.”
The delegation from Ecuador, composed of the National Director of Dirnea, the Director of the National Merchant Marine School, Rómulo Donoso, and the head of the Training Department of the Merchant Marine School, Fabrizio Rázuri, visited the General Directorate of the Merchant Navy for the signing of the agreement and the maritime captaincies of Alicante and Barcelona.
