Australia and Philippines Deepen Maritime Cooperation on Trade and Seafarer Protection
Australia and the Philippines have strengthened their maritime partnership by reaffirming mutual recognition of seafarer certificates, a move aimed at reducing administrative barriers and supporting smoother shipping operations and bilateral trade between the two countries. The agreement is expected to enhance maritime logistics while improving protections and career mobility for seafarers operating across both jurisdictions.
Australia’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Marc Innes-Brown, met with Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Sonia Malaluan in Manila to finalize the arrangement. During the meeting, Australia also formally endorsed the Philippines-led Manila Declaration on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety and Well-being, reinforcing shared commitments to labor standards, safety, and welfare in the global maritime workforce.
The announcements follow the re-election of both Australia and the Philippines to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council and coincide with the celebration of 80 years of bilateral relations. Ambassador Innes-Brown highlighted that the cooperation goes beyond certification frameworks, emphasizing the role of seafarers in sustaining trade and economic growth. Nearly 95 percent of Australia’s two-way goods trade with the Philippines is transported by sea, while Philippine-flagged vessels recorded 52 port calls to Australia in 2024 and 2025, the highest level in five years.
The agreement supports Australia’s broader regional ambitions under Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, improving trade efficiency while recognizing the Philippines as a leading global supplier of skilled maritime labor. Administrator Malaluan stated that the memorandum reinforces the Philippines’ commitment to internationally compliant training, assessment, and certification systems aligned with global maritime standards.
Australia has continued to deepen its maritime and trade engagement with the Philippines, including the establishment of a permanent Australian Border Force presence at its embassy in Manila to strengthen cooperation on maritime security, border enforcement, and trade facilitation with the Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Customs. Australia is also working with the World Bank, MARINA, and the Philippine Department of Transportation to develop a roadmap for decarbonizing inter-island ferry services, supporting long-term sustainability goals under the Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028.
