All 20 Filipino seafarers aboard the M/V MSC Elsa, which sank off Kochi, Kerala, are safe and awaiting repatriation. Currently in a local hotel, they maintain communication with families for support. The Department of Migrant Workers is coordinating with authorities to expedite their return to the Philippines.
Seafarers and their families now have a new business opportunity through a partnership between Seafam International and Global SME Loans Inc. This collaboration provides soft loans to Filipino maritime professionals, addressing financial challenges and predatory lending. Global SME’s “Seaman’s Loan” offers competitive rates and empowers retiring seafarers with entrepreneurial training.
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac ensured support for Filipino seafarers repatriated from Malaysia. The crew of vessel MT Krishna 1 received financial aid and skills training vouchers. DMW will investigate the manning agency and shipowner. The repatriation reflects DMW’s commitment to safeguard overseas Filipino workers, the nation’s modern heroes.
Eight Filipino seafarers detained in Malaysia for immigration violations have been released with the help of DMW. Labor Attaché Jocelyn Ortega and Secretary Hans Cacdac played a crucial role. The manning agency will continue to pay their salaries. Repatriation arrangements are underway. The coordinated efforts ensured the seafarers’ safety and well-being throughout the process.
Eight Filipino seafarers were detained in Malaysia for immigration violations. DMW conducted a welfare visit to assess their well-being. Labor Attachè and a lawyer presented a defense of good faith. DMW plans to investigate the manning agency and shipowner. The government’s response demonstrates a commitment to protecting OFWs’ rights and well-being.
The recognition of training certificates for Filipino seafarers received a boost with the signing of a bilateral agreement between Marina and the Maritime Administration of Latvia in London. This agreement aims to recognize STCW certificates issued by Marina, ensuring training and competence assessment adhere to international standards, strengthening maritime cooperation between the two nations.
Filipino seafarers on Dutch-owned ships are fighting for fair treatment and equal pay, as they earn less than their European counterparts. Despite meeting the ILO’s wage standard, they face delays in medical care and unequal treatment. The wage gap is justified by a “cost-of-living adjustment,” but Filipino seafarers argue for equal compensation.
Mario, a Filipino seafarer, fights against unequal pay in the maritime industry in the Netherlands. Starting as a messman in 1993, he rose to chief cook but faced health issues and delayed medical attention on a Dutch ship. This case sheds light on wage disparities among Filipino and European crew members.
This week saw the Indian maritime sector making significant strides, including the IRS and SeaTech Solutions’ MoU for green tugboat development, a six-fold increase in waterway cargo transport, and the launch of ROV projects in Kerala. These advancements reflect a commitment to sustainability and innovation within the industry.
The last batch of Filipino crew members from the M/V Minoan Courage, attacked by Houthi rebels, safely landed at NAIA Terminal 3. The DMW, OWWA, and other agencies collaborated to ensure the repatriation of all 21 seafarers. The crew will receive necessary support and evaluations to address the traumatic experience at sea.
Four more Filipino crew members of the missile-hit M/V Minoan Courage have been repatriated, bringing the total to 11 out of 21. The Department of Migrant Workers confirmed their safe arrival in Manila on October 13. Efforts are ongoing to bring the remaining seafarers back home with necessary support and financial assistance.
Six Filipino seafarers have been acquitted of drug smuggling charges in Turkey and are set to return to the Philippines by the end of the month. The Court of Erigle cleared them of all charges after being arrested aboard the Phoenician M in Zonguldak in October 2023.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is cracking down on ship owners who force Filipino seafarers to sail through dangerous waters like the Gulf of Aden amidst Houthi attacks. DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac stressed the importance of respecting seafarers’ right to refuse boarding in high-risk areas near Yemen, with sanctions for non-compliance.
This week’s maritime news highlights significant developments from 02 Sep. to 08 Sep. 2024. Key topics include India’s ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund to boost shipbuilding, recovery in dry cargo shipping, innovations in marine fuels, and updates on the Red Sea crisis. Environmental challenges and Seychelles’ efforts against maritime crime are also covered.
A total of 122 Filipino seafarers have chosen not to sail in the high-risk waters of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, exercising their “right to refuse sailing.” The Department of Migrant Workers revealed that ship owners have respected their decision, leading to limitations in voyages or sending them home. The Department of Foreign Affairs advised seafarers to prioritize safety and enforce bans on hiring for vessels with past incidents.
