Finnish and Canadian maritime authorities sign agreement on recognition of seafarers’ certificates
Finland and Canada signed an agreement (STCW undertaking) on the recognition of seafarers' certificates under the STCW Convention on 4 November 2026 in London, during a session of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The STCW Convention, or the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, is an international convention adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1978. It sets minimum international standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers.
The agreement between Finland and Canada was signed by Head of Department Juha-Matti Korsi on behalf of the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom and Director General Joanna Manger on behalf of Transport Canada.
The STCW Convention requires maritime administrations to have an agreement in place before they can recognise each other's certificates of competency issued to masters and officers or certificates of proficiency in advanced training for tanker cargo operations.
The agreement allows seafarers holding Finnish certificates to serve as officers on Canadian ships and seafarers holding Canadian certificates to serve as officers on Finnish ships. In addition to their original certificate, seafarers must hold an endorsement issued by the flag state.
The agreement expands international employment opportunities for seafarers in both countries and further strengthens the good cooperation between Finland and Canada in the maritime sector.