Togo and Russia mutually recognise seafarers’ certificates
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Icilomé
Togo and Russia have signed an agreement mutually recognising certificates and certificates of competency for ship crews, to make it easier to validate the qualifications of seafarers trained in either country. The scheme provides for recognition visas and electronic registers, with documents to be checked within seven working days, according to Icilome.
Togo’s Ministry Delegate in charge of the Maritime Economy and Russia’s Ministry of Transport have signed an agreement on the mutual recognition of certificates of competency and certificates of proficiency for seafarers on seagoing ships, to make it easier to validate the qualifications of seafarers trained in either country, according to the Togolese and Russian authorities.
The agreement provides for endorsement visas confirming recognition of certificates, as well as a system to verify their authenticity and validity. The authorities must respond to verification requests within seven working days and keep electronic registers of certificates and visas issued. The procedure remains subject to the requirements of the International Maritime Organization and the 1978 STCW Convention on the training and certification of seafarers.
The move follows the announcement on 2 October of a Russian plan to transport goods to the Sahel via the port of Lomé. It also aligns with the priorities set out by Faure Gnassingbé on 12 October for Togo’s maritime economy.
