According to Manila law firm Del Rosario and Del Rosario, a recent advisory mandates that all licensed manning agencies (LMAs) and their principals must reroute ships with Filipino seafarers away from high-risk areas, particularly the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. This directive emphasizes compliance with several Department Orders concerning the rights of seafarers to refuse sailing in dangerous zones and prohibits deployment to ships previously attacked or traversing such areas.
LMAs must ensure that Filipino seafarers can invoke their right to refuse sailing in these warlike zones, with immediate repatriation arranged for those who choose to do so. Moreover, agencies are required to report to the Seabased Accreditation Bureau regarding any ship diversions and the decisions of seafarers concerning their voyages.
Additionally, LMAs are prohibited from deploying Filipino seafarers to any vessel that has been attacked or is heading into designated high-risk zones. Each agency must appoint a Seafarers’ Welfare and Crisis Management Officer (SWACO) to coordinate responses during maritime crises and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
In summary, the advisory underscores the importance of safety and the rights of Filipino seafarers, urging shipowners to consider rerouting their vessels to avoid potential risks.
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