Starting September 15, Myanmar will ban newly recruited seafarers from traveling abroad on Seafarer Myanmar Passports. They must convert to Passport for Visit passports to combat illegal recruitment and protect against exploitation. The Department of Marine Administration aims to safeguard seafarers’ rights, ensuring fair wages and proper training opportunities.
Three Myanmar sailors tragically lost their lives on a foreign cargo ship in Indonesian waters, succumbing to oxygen deprivation while inspecting an enclosed area. The incident highlights the severe risks of confined spaces at sea. Experts stress the need for proper ventilation, atmospheric testing, and strict safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.
On August 26, 2025, a ceremony at the Myanmar Seafarers Federation in Yangon focused on the repatriation of illegally employed seafarers. Captain Soe Min Aung addressed their challenges, while four seafarers shared harrowing experiences from Oman. The event underscored the need for safe employment and the protection of maritime workers’ rights.
