Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of NIMASA, announced plans to revise the STCW 2017 curriculum for Nigerian Maritime Training Institutions. This update, discussed with the Maritime Academy of Nigeria’s Governing Board, aims to align training standards with global benchmarks, enhancing the credibility of Nigerian seafarers’ certifications and improving their competitiveness.
Seven Filipino seafarers from the M/T Burgan returned to the Philippines on September 7 after surviving an attack in the Strait of Hormuz. Arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, they received support from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, ensuring their welfare, medical needs, and family reunification were prioritized during their transition home.
Oman confirmed the evacuation of 16 crew members from the Saudi tanker Sidr, attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. The assault, attributed to Iran, resulted in the deaths of two Filipino seafarers. With seven crew members still unaccounted for, maritime security concerns in the region have intensified significantly.
India has launched a Seafarer Tracking Module on its e-NAVIK portal to monitor seafarers in high-risk areas like the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Aden. This initiative by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration aims to enhance safety and enable swift emergency responses, ensuring the welfare of Indian seafarers.
Ten Filipino seafarers who declined to board the M/V Dema M due to security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz have safely returned to the Philippines. They were welcomed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport by DMW officials, who emphasized support for their decision and the government’s commitment to ensuring their safety.
Starting September 15, Myanmar will ban newly recruited seafarers from traveling abroad on Seafarer Myanmar Passports. They must convert to Passport for Visit passports to combat illegal recruitment and protect against exploitation. The Department of Marine Administration aims to safeguard seafarers’ rights, ensuring fair wages and proper training opportunities.
At the SMM Hamburg event, ICS Secretary-General Thomas Kazakos highlighted the dangers seafarers face amid geopolitical tensions, asserting they should not be used as pawns in international disputes. He emphasized the need for protection of crews, as shipping companies navigate investment uncertainties linked to supply-chain instability and evolving maritime challenges.
On September 2, the MV BARYON, a cargo ship with 23 Indian seafarers, was struck by a drone. The drone ignited a fire in the accommodation area, yet the crew extinguished the flames, continuing their journey with all crew members reported safe. The incident has raised safety concerns.
Philippine senators are urging the Department of Migrant Workers to prioritize the safety of Filipino seafarers after two crew members died in an attack on a Saudi-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. They stress the need for enhanced safety protocols and immediate support for affected families amid ongoing regional conflicts.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed relevant agencies to provide support to the families of two Filipino seafarers who tragically died when a Saudi Arabian oil tanker was struck by projectiles near the Strait of Hormuz. The government is committed to offering necessary assistance, benefits, and compensation.
Two Filipino seafarers tragically lost their lives in a security incident involving their vessel, the SIDR, in the Strait of Hormuz on September 1. Saudi Arabian shipping company Bahri confirmed the news, expressing deep sorrow while providing support to the victims’ families and emphasizing its commitment to safety and security.
Global labor officials and European diplomats are pressing Philippine authorities to strengthen maritime protections for seafarers, highlighting existing enforcement failures. During a forum marking the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention, experts emphasized the need for effective implementation of legal frameworks to safeguard Filipino seafarers from mistreatment and wage theft.
Onwuka Igwe, former Director of Cabotage at NIMASA, underscores the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) as vital for enhancing local maritime skills. By training nearly 2,500 Nigerians, the initiative aims to reduce reliance on foreign seafarers, promoting local capacity in Nigeria’s coastal shipping and addressing workforce shortages effectively.
In a crucial meeting, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed maritime safety for Indian seafarers with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The dialogue focused on the dangers faced by sailors in the Strait of Hormuz amid rising conflicts, emphasizing India’s commitment to securing the safety of its maritime workforce in volatile regions.
The Department of Migrant Workers, led by Assistant Secretary Augusto San Diego III, welcomed returning seafarers who survived a missile attack on their vessel in Ukraine. Supported by the AKSYON Fund, they received assistance for their immediate needs. San Diego emphasized seafarers’ rights to refuse unsafe conditions and highlighted ongoing risks in conflict zones.
