Muscat – H E Said Hamoud al Ma’awali, Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and Saleh al Jasser, Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services signed an initial cooperation agreement, which aims at consultations and sharing of information and experiences in the field of maritime transport, cooperation between maritime transport companies and exploring economic investment initiatives.

The agreement signed on Thursday also focuses on exchanging technical assistance necessary for developing maritime transport and facilitating technology transfer that contributes to developing the sector in both countries. Additionally, it aims to augment the level of maritime services provided to vessels of both countries.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also signed between the two countries on mutual recognition of certificates of competency and proficiency of seafarers.

The MoU targets enhancing cooperation within the framework of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW78) in its amended format. Oman joined the convention in 1990 promulgated by Royal decree No 65/90.

The MoU will contribute to the mutual recognition of the maritime education and training system between the two countries, as well as the mutual recognition of competency certificates issued to key members of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System and proficiency certificates holders.
The memorandum will allow certified Omani seafarers to work on Saudi flagged vessels.