Greece–US Strategic Dialogue: Agreement signed with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs on the recognition of seafarers’ certificates

An intergovernmental agreement under which Greece recognises certificates of competence issued by the competent authorities of the United States was signed in Athens today, 7 October 2026, as part of the sixth Greece–US Strategic Dialogue. The agreement, finalised under the supervision of Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Vassilis Kikilias, marks another substantive step towards strengthening maritime cooperation between the two countries.

The certificates are recognised in accordance with the provisions of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 (STCW).

This development strengthens cooperation between Greece and the United States in the maritime sector, while also contributing to the deepening of their longstanding strategic partnership.

The agreement also gives practical expression to the shared commitment of Greece and the United States to further develop their cooperation at the international level, particularly in maritime education and training, seafarer certification and the implementation of international standards set out in the STCW Convention.

It thus reaffirms the steadfast commitment of Greece and the United States to promoting high standards of quality and safety in maritime education and training, and to continually strengthening cooperation for the benefit of the international maritime community.

The agreement was signed by Secretary General for Maritime Affairs and Ports Emmanouil Koutoulakis, representing the Hellenic Republic and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy.