In light of recent deadly attacks in the Red Sea, the Philippines has indicated it may restrict its nationals from working on vessels in high-risk areas. Carl Martin Faannessen, CEO of Noatun Maritime, emphasizes the challenges faced by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), which oversees millions of Filipinos abroad, most of whom work on land without maritime labor protections.
The DMW is acutely aware that each seafarer supports multiple family members, all of whom are connected through social media. This connectivity can lead to rapid public backlash, especially when politicians seize the opportunity to respond to crises. Consequently, the DMW is proactive in ensuring that any incidents involving Filipino seafarers are reported immediately by ship owners or local manning agents.
To mitigate surprises, the DMW requires comprehensive risk assessments and documentation of crew rights regarding operations in high-risk zones. While this may seem excessive, it reflects the DMW’s desire to avoid being blindsided by negative media. Clear communication between the DMW and manning agents about expectations and protocols is essential for maintaining safety and transparency in the industry.
Continued collaboration between the DMW and the crewing sector will help clarify responsibilities and enhance the safety of Filipino seafarers in challenging environments.
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