Philippines Bans Deployment of Seafarers in Red Sea and Gulf of Aden

Yemeni coastguards loyal to the internationally-recognised government are patrolling the Red Sea near the Bab al-Mandab Strait. In response to escalating threats in the region, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in the Philippines has banned the deployment of Filipino seafarers on passenger and cruise ships traveling through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. This decision comes after the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden were classified as “high-risk areas” and “war-like zones” by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and International Bargaining Forum (IBF).

The DMW and the Philippine Maritime Industry Tripartite Council (MITC) are emphasizing the need for stricter safety protocols to protect Filipino mariners in these dangerous waters. Licensed manning agencies are required to guarantee that the vessels their seafarers board will not navigate the Red Sea or the Gulf of Aden. Filipino seafarers onboard must also sign an affirmation letter acknowledging this restriction. Recent incidents, including the seizure of an Israeli-linked container ship with Filipino crew members by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, highlight the risks faced by seafarers in the region.

The Philippines, a major source of seafarers globally, is taking steps to ensure the safety of its maritime workers in light of increasing threats in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The DMW’s ban on deploying Filipino seafarers on ships in these high-risk areas aims to protect them from potential harm. With the collaboration of manning agencies and crew members, the Philippines is working to safeguard its seafarers and prevent incidents like the recent attacks and seizures in the region.

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