Tanzania and Qatar Ink Seafarer Certificate Agreement at IMO Assembly in London

Historic Agreement Signed in London

The United Republic of Tanzania and the State of Qatar officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the mutual recognition of seafarers' certificates on November 24, 2025. The signing ceremony took place in London, on the sidelines of the 34th Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly, which is scheduled to run from November 24 to December 3, 2025.

Representing Tanzania, Mr. Mohamed Malick Salum, Director General of the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC), affixed his signature to the document. Qatar was represented by Engineer Abdulaziz Abdullah Al-Sulait, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Transport.

Enhancing Maritime Standards and Opportunities

The newly signed MoU is designed to significantly enhance competency standards, safety, and quality within the seafaring profession for both nations. It also serves to deepen diplomatic and economic ties between Tanzania and Qatar.

Key objectives of the agreement include:

• Expanding employment opportunities for Tanzanian seafarers on vessels registered or operated by Qatari companies.
• Eliminating repetitive certificate validation processes, streamlining the employment pathway for seafarers.
• Paving the way for stronger cooperation in the broader maritime transport sector between the two countries.
• Allowing seafarers to access more competitive global labor markets and benefit from exposure to advanced technologies and high safety standards.
• Bolstering Tanzania's maritime training capacity, as its national institutions and certifications gain wider international recognition.

This agreement aligns with the provisions of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 1978), a crucial international maritime treaty.

Broader Context of International Cooperation

The signing of this MoU underscores Tanzania's ongoing efforts to forge international partnerships in the maritime domain. The nation has been actively pursuing similar agreements with various countries to open up global opportunities for its seafarers and strengthen its maritime sector. The 34th IMO Assembly provides a significant platform for such bilateral engagements, bringing together maritime officials and stakeholders from member states to discuss critical global maritime issues.