Vietnam named on maritime "White list" of IMO




Dec. 25 (VNA) -- Viet Nam has been named on the first "White List" of countries meeting the compentancy requirements of a new international convention for seafarers and technological development issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The list includes 71 countries and one associate IMO member deemed to have properly implement the provisions of the International Convention for Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

The convention-applied since Feb. 1, 1997, - revises and updates the original 1978 Convention.

Inclusion on the "White List" assumes, in principle, that certificates issued by or on behalf of countries on the list comply with the convention.

Seafarers holding certificates issued by "White-List" countries are held to meet the competence criteria defined by the convention.

Seafarers with certificates issued by non - "White List" countries and ships flying flags of non - "White List" countries will be targeted by port inspectors.

IMO approval is a recognition of Viet Nam's management and seafarer training quality. It will create more opportunities for the country's maritime sector to integrate with the world.--VNA