Georgian seafarers get recognition from United Arab Emirates

Georgian seafarers can now be employed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) maritime industry as a result of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Ministry of Economy of Georgia and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure of the UAE.

As of today, the certificates of Georgian seafarers are recognised by 61 countries around the world, including 18 countries of the European Union.

Georgian Economy Minister Natia Turnava and Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure of the United Arab Emirates after signing the MOU. Photo: Ministry of Economy of Georgia.

Georgian Economy Minister Natia Turnava, who is currently visiting the UAE, said that the reforms carried out during the last decade in the field of maritime education and seafarers' certification system have significantly improved the reputation of Georgia and Georgian sailors in the international maritime space.

Our sailors, who are distinguished by good training, courage and professionalism, are employed on ships sailing under the national flags of different countries and there is a great demand for them. Now they will be able to be employed by the United Arab Emirates fleet, ships sailing under their flag", Turnava said.

As of 2020, the Emirates-flagged fleet consists of 631 ships.