Taiwan students receive crew member certificates in Xiamen. [Photo provided to en.ftz.xm.gov.cn]
In June 2023, the Xiamen Free Trade Zone Management Committee, in collaboration with the Xiamen Maritime Safety Administration, Jimei University, and seafarer dispatch agencies, launched the first cross-Strait international cruise crew training program on the Chinese mainland.
The program aims to provide a comprehensive service for young people from Taiwan, allowing them to receive training on the Chinese mainland, obtain mainland seafarer competency certificates, and be deployed for work by mainland seafarer dispatch companies.
As of April 2024, a total of seven training sessions had been held, with 146 Taiwan compatriots obtaining mainland seafarer certificates in Fujian province.
In recent years, an increasing number of Taiwan seafarers have come to the Chinese mainland in search of new opportunities, with over 200 individuals participating in various types of seafarer training programs and applying for mainland seafarer certificates.
The Fujian Maritime Safety Administration has once again introduced measures to help Taiwan compatriots in Fujian participate in various types of seafarer training programs and apply for mainland seafarer certificates.
In Xiamen, Pingtan, and other areas, normalized training services are provided to Taiwan compatriots, including senior seafarers, yacht drivers, and cruise ship crew members. The qualifications of Taiwan compatriots who have already undergone relevant training in Taiwan are recognized.
Collaborating with Taiwan companies, a "dual-fuel" ship crew training program is being launched at Jimei University. In 2024, there are plans to hold six sessions, training 240 individuals. Taiwan compatriots who meet the certification requirements can apply for mainland seafarer certificates.