Designating Gulf of Aden as High Risk Area to safeguard Filipino seafarers

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in the Philippines welcomed the International Bargaining Forum’s (IBF) decision to include the Gulf of Aden in the list of “high-risk areas” (HRAs). This move is seen as providing additional security and protection to Filipino seafarers working in the area. The expansion of the HRAs to include the Gulf of Aden is aimed at promoting stricter security measures and safeguarding seafarers navigating in those waters.

Filipino seafarers on ships traveling through HRAs are now entitled to the right to refuse sailing, compensation benefits, and bonuses to their wages. The IBF’s declaration of the southern section of the Red Sea and the Bab El-Mandeb Strait as HRAs in December further enhances the safety measures for seafarers in the region. Despite attempts to hijack vessels in the area with Filipino seafarers, they have remained safe.

The DMW also emphasized the need for continued diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and address the causes of conflicts in the Middle East. The organization called for stronger protection for Filipino seafarers and all seafarers working in high-risk areas, highlighting the importance of ensuring their safety and security while at sea.

Source .