On July 18, 2025, India’s Directorate General of Shipping issued Circular 31/2025 to combat fraudulent certification practices harming Indian seafarers. While aiming to uphold international standards and improve maritime safety, the circular has drawn mixed reactions. Critics argue it could jeopardize livelihoods by disregarding legitimate foreign qualifications.
At least 18 Filipino crew members from the Carnival Sunshine were detained and deported by Customs and Border Patrol agents in Norfolk, Virginia, despite holding valid visas. Advocacy groups claim the deportation lacked due process, leading to protests demanding justice. Concerns about cruise operations and crew safety have escalated.
The health of oceans has improved following a ban on scrubber discharges agreed upon by EU environmental ministers and 15 nations during the OSPAR meeting. This ban targets harmful pollutants from exhaust gas cleaning systems. By 2027, open-loop scrubber discharges will be prohibited in the North-East Atlantic, enhancing marine protection.
The Ministry of Interior (MoI) celebrated the graduation of its fourth batch of officer candidates at the Polish Maritime Academy. Attended by the Qatari Ambassador to Poland and MoI officials, the ceremony honored graduates who completed a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Sciences, enhancing Qatar’s maritime security capabilities.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel addressed the inaugural graduation ceremony of Gujarat Maritime University, urging graduates to focus on national interests and embrace India’s maritime heritage. He highlighted the sector’s potential and the need for skilled professionals to advance India as a global maritime talent hub under Prime Minister Modi’s vision.
The missile strike on the Magic Seas and the sinking of the Eternity C should have drawn global attention, particularly in the Philippines. Yet, for Filipino seafarers, it was just another perilous day at sea. As companies profit, these workers face escalating dangers, often treated as collateral damage in global conflicts.
Recent developments in seafarer employment include a new global minimum wage, set to rise from $690 in January 2026 to $715 by January 2028. Additionally, the UK’s Employment Rights Bill aims to enhance protections for seafarers, focusing on redundancy notifications and expanding mandatory employment standards at sea.
The Myanmar Seafarers Federation (MSF) has resolved around 300 seafarers’ rights cases from 2020 to 2025, aiming to rebuild trust among crew members and their families. On July 19, 2025, MSF held its sixth executive selection ceremony, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing seafarers’ welfare and rights in the maritime industry.
The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) has launched a new passenger ferry connecting Iceland and Mokpo, Korea, marking a significant milestone. Constructed by Miraero Shipbuilding for Dea Bu Marine Transport, this vessel is the first classified by IRS for a Korean owner, reflecting its expanding international footprint and client confidence.
On July 17, Maritime New Zealand coordinated a high-seas rescue after a Mayday call from a private vessel en route to Tonga. The crew activated an emergency beacon and entered a life raft. A nearby tanker and a P-8 aircraft facilitated the nighttime rescue, successfully retrieving all three individuals by 11:00 pm.
Barcelona is tackling concerns over overcrowding and overtourism linked to cruise ships by redeveloping its seaport. With a 20% rise in cruise passengers since 2018, Mayor Jaume Collboni proposes limits, including higher tourist taxes. The city plans to reduce cruise terminals from seven to five by 2030, enhancing sustainability.
Photographers have until October 12 to enter the Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image Award 2025. An international jury will select 80 photos for public voting starting October 20. The top 20 will be showcased at Metstrade Amsterdam from November 18-20, with the awards ceremony on November 21 during the Yacht Racing Forum.
Over 140 individuals aboard the Royal Caribbean ship Navigator of the Seas fell ill during a cruise from Los Angeles to Mexico, as reported by the CDC. Symptoms included diarrhea and vomiting. In response, Royal Caribbean intensified cleaning and isolated affected passengers while the CDC investigates the outbreak’s cause.
Two prominent Asian cities are enhancing their maritime heritage with new attractions. Osaka will unveil the Mitsui OSK Lines’s Funeshiru Museum, featuring interactive displays and a world-first navigation simulator. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Jockey Club Anchor Plaza showcases a massive anchor from the Seawise Giant, fostering maritime education and community engagement.
In 2025, over 2,280 seafarers were abandoned on 222 vessels, reflecting a 30% rise from the previous year. The International Transport Workers’ Federation reported $13.1 million in unpaid wages, highlighting severe human rights violations. The Gulf states and Europe face criticism for their inaction, as nearly 75% of abandoned vessels are registered under Flags of Convenience.
