Australia, Phl boost maritime cooperation 

Australia and the Philippines have renewed their commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation by reaffirming the mutual recognition of seafarer certificates, a move expected to ease administrative processes and support smoother shipping and trade between the two seafaring nations.

Australia’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Marc Innes-Brown, met with Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Sonia Malaluan in Manila on Friday to finalize the arrangement, which aims to simplify certification procedures for Filipino and Australian seafarers working across both jurisdictions.

The agreement is seen as a step toward reducing red tape in maritime operations while ensuring that standards for training, assessment, and certification remain aligned with international regulations.

Ambassador Innes-Brown also announced Australia’s formal endorsement of the Philippines-led Manila Declaration on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety and Well-being, underscoring both countries’ commitment to improving protections and working conditions for maritime workers.

“This is not just about certificates – it is about people and prosperity,” Innes-Brown said.

He highlighted the strong trade ties between the two countries, noting that nearly 95 percent of Australia’s two-way goods trade with the Philippines is transported by sea. 

He added that Australia recorded 52 visits by Philippine-flagged vessels in both 2024 and 2025 — the highest number in the past five years.

“For Australia, these measures mean smoother trade and more efficient maritime operations – supporting our ongoing ambitions under Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040,” he said.

“At the same time, we’re working to support the rights and livelihoods of Filipino seafarers, reaffirming the Philippines’ indispensable role in global shipping as a leading supplier of skilled maritime labour.”

Malaluan said the memorandum reinforces the country’s commitment to maintaining globally competitive standards for Filipino seafarers.

“For the Philippines, this Memorandum reaffirms our commitment to maintaining a robust and internationally compliant system of training, assessment, and certification for Filipino seafarers, consistent with global maritime expectations,” she said.

The announcements come after both Australia and the Philippines secured re-election to the International Maritime Organization Council, and as the two nations prepare to celebrate 80 years of bilateral relations in 2026.

Australia has stepped up investments in maritime and trade cooperation with the Philippines in recent years. 

In 2024, it established a permanent Australian Border Force presence at its Embassy in Manila to strengthen collaboration on civil maritime security, border enforcement, and trade facilitation with the Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Customs.

Canberra is also working with the World Bank to assist MARINA and the Department of Transportation in developing a roadmap to decarbonize inter-island ferry services, aligning with the Philippines’ Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028.

Officials from both countries said the renewed partnership reflects a shared goal of keeping trade routes efficient, strengthening maritime safety, and supporting the welfare of thousands of Filipino seafarers who form a vital part of the global shipping workforce.

“Together, Australia and the Philippines are building a partnership that keeps our economies moving and our seas connected,” Innes-Brown said.