Australia and the Philippines are deepening maritime cooperation to support trade growth and strengthen protections for seafarers, as both countries move to streamline certification processes and reinforce global maritime standards.
The renewed partnership was marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) on the mutual recognition of seafarer certificates. The agreement aims to reduce administrative barriers and facilitate smoother shipping and logistics between the two maritime nations.
Australia’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Marc Innes-Brown, met MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan in Manila on Friday to finalise the arrangement. During the meeting, Ambassador Innes-Brown also announced Australia’s formal endorsement of the Philippines-led Manila Declaration on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety and Well-being.
The developments follow the successful re-election of both countries to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council and come as Australia and the Philippines mark 80 years of bilateral relations in 2026.
“This is not just about certificates — it is about people and prosperity,” Ambassador Innes-Brown said.
He noted that nearly 95% of Australia’s two-way goods trade with the Philippines is transported by sea, underscoring the importance of efficient maritime operations. In 2024 and 2025, Australia recorded 52 port visits by Philippine-flagged vessels, the highest number in the past five years.
“For Australia, these measures mean smoother trade and more efficient maritime operations, supporting our ambitions under Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040,” he said.
“At the same time, we are supporting the rights and livelihoods of Filipino seafarers, reaffirming the Philippines’ indispensable role in global shipping as a leading supplier of skilled maritime professionals.”
MARINA Administrator Malaluan said the agreement reinforces the Philippines’ commitment to maintaining an internationally compliant system for the training, assessment and certification of seafarers, aligned with global maritime standards.
Australia has expanded its trade and maritime engagement with the Philippines in recent years, reflecting a shared vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.
In 2024, Australia established a permanent Australian Border Force presence at its embassy in Manila to strengthen civil maritime cooperation, border enforcement and trade facilitation with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Customs.
Australia is also working with the World Bank to support MARINA and the Department of Transportation in developing a roadmap to decarbonise inter-island ferry services, in line with the Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028.