The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) clarified that seafarers with a valid Basic Training Certificate can board vessels without completing the Updating Basic Training–Personal Safety and Social Responsibility immediately. MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan emphasized that updating is required before the next embarkation or revalidation, addressing confusion among seafarers about immediate compliance.
As Nigeria prepares for a new tax regime in 2026, maritime stakeholders are calling for special considerations for seafarers. They argue that tailored protections are essential to prevent unfair burdens on a workforce that faces unique challenges. Advocates emphasize the need for tax exemptions and clear residency guidelines for seafarers.
The Nigerian Navy successfully rescued 20 crew members from the motor vessel Chimba Express after a fire broke out near the Calabar Channel on December 22, 2025. Despite one crew member jumping overboard, all others were saved. Preliminary investigations indicate an electrical fault caused the fire, with ongoing rescue efforts for the missing individual.
In response to rising exploitation of seafarers by unauthorized recruitment agents, India has issued a 10-point advisory. The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) urges seafarers to engage only with registered Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) companies, emphasizing the need to verify their authenticity to avoid financial and personal risks.
Emeritus Professor Helen Sampson has received The Maritime Foundation Award for Best Book for her impactful work, Sea-Time: An Ethnographic Adventure. Her research highlights the harsh realities faced by seafarers, including deteriorating working conditions and job insecurity, advocating for essential improvements in their lives and working environments.
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, urged restraint amidst the escalating Black Sea conflict. He stressed the need to protect innocent seafarers and merchant vessels from being targeted, warning that rising tensions pose significant risks not only to human lives but also to the marine environment.
Cyprus has renewed its collective agreement for seafarers on Cyprus-flagged vessels, effective from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028. This three-year deal aligns local maritime labor standards with international norms, updating wage scales and compensation to meet ILO minimums, enhancing the competitiveness of the Cypriot shipping sector.
Christiania Gas has reported the kidnapping of nine crew members from its LPG tanker, CGAS SATURN, following a pirate attack in the Gulf of Guinea. Four crew members remain on board, with one injured. The company is prioritizing communication with the abducted crew and coordinating with authorities for their safe release.
Nine Filipino crew members detained by Yemen’s Houthi rebels after their cargo ship, M/V Eternity C, was sunk in the Red Sea are set to be released. Philippine officials said the sailors will be transferred to Oman before returning home, crediting Omani diplomatic efforts for securing their freedom.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has streamlined procedures for crew members on Indian flag vessels engaged in coastal trade by eliminating the sign-on/sign-off and shore leave pass requirements. This change aims to ease the burdens previously faced by seafarers, allowing port authorities to manage crew operations more efficiently.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has launched myAMSA, an online application portal designed to modernize services for seafarers. This initiative streamlines the application process for various services, including the near coastal certificate of competency, allowing users to complete applications entirely online, enhancing efficiency and accessibility in a digital-first environment.
The maritime industry faces a pressing challenge: the manipulation of seafarer work and rest hour records. Mark Dickinson of the ITF emphasized at the Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect conference that many seafarers work over 75 hours weekly, often falsifying records to comply with regulations, highlighting a critical gap between policy and practice.
An annual survey of global seafarers highlights the need for continued investment in personnel for the maritime industry’s future. While wages have stabilized, seniority bonuses are rising, particularly for experienced second engineers. However, mental health issues are increasing, with 44% reporting stress. Positive trends include improved training satisfaction and enhanced welfare measures.
The Seafarer Connect initiative has marked a milestone with its 50th Wi-Fi unit installation at Australian ports, enhancing internet access for seafarers. Operated by the Tas Bull Seafarers Foundation, this program provides free connectivity, enabling crew members to connect with family, manage finances, and access telehealth services while docked.
Seafarers face significant challenges in accessing shore leave, with a 61% decline in time spent at welfare centers since the pandemic began. A study revealed that nearly 70% of crew members now have less than two hours ashore, highlighting barriers like short port stays and company restrictions affecting their well-being.
