Interpol has officially canceled Japan’s extradition request for Paul Watson, founder of Sea Shepherd. This decision marks a significant turning point in the ongoing controversy surrounding Watson’s activism against whaling. With the red notice withdrawn, he can continue his efforts in marine conservation without the threat of arrest looming over him.
The Seafarers Advice and Information Line (SAIL) has received an additional £30,000 from Trinity House, enabling the hiring of a part-time adviser. This funding will enhance support for seafarers and their families, addressing issues like debt and welfare benefits. SAIL uniquely caters to the needs of the maritime community in the UK.
A recent report from Arendal, Norway, reveals a 25% rise in deaths among seafaring workers from 2022 to 2024 compared to previous years. Notably, suicides exceeded fatal incidents in 2024. Illnesses accounted for 83% of deaths, with stress identified as a key factor, particularly affecting younger officers.
The Directorate General of Shipping in India has issued a circular addressing rising fraud in seafarer certificates, which threatens maritime security. Effective July 18, it mandates stringent verification by Recruitment and Placement Service License agencies. Seafarers using fake credentials face severe penalties, aligning with India’s STCW commitments to global safety standards.
Three Ilonggo crew members from the cargo ship MV Eternity C, attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, have returned to Iloilo. Families and officials from OWWA 6 welcomed them home. While the crew is safe, one member remains in Metro Manila, and authorities continue searching for four missing individuals.
Mitsui OSK Lines, NYK Line, and K Line are collaborating to donate a new training vessel to the Japan Agency of Maritime Education and Training for Seafarers. This initiative aims to address challenges like aging vessels and a shortage of qualified instructors, enhancing the development of skilled Japanese seafarers by 2030.
The Department of Migrant Workers is probing the detention of 18 Filipino seafarers accused of child pornography violations linked to their phones. The crew, part of the Carnival Sunshine, faced mistreatment during their arrest in Norfolk, sparking outrage over potential racial discrimination and the rights of migrant workers.
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 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.
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.
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.
The Akademi Laut Malaysia has launched the Maritime Experiential Learning Centre, the first MASTER Centre in the Asia Pacific. Endorsed by Wärtsilä, it features advanced simulators for real-world vessel operations. This initiative, part of Malaysia Maritime Week 2025, aims to equip future seafarers with essential skills in decarbonisation and smart navigation.
