(NNW) Canada and the Philippines have signed a deal that clears the way for Filipino sailors to crew Canadian-flagged vessels for the first time.

It’s an attempt to address a major problem on board Canadian ships.

“Industry and other government departments have communicated to Transport Canada the need in finding qualified seafarers to assume various roles aboard ships and ashore to support marine operations,” Transport Canada spokesperson Hicham Ayoun said in a statement to CBC.

The reciprocal arrangement between Canada and the Philippines signed March 29 recognizes Philippine certificates of competency for Filipino sailors — known as Standard for Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).