seafarertimes.com ~ Maritime News for Filipino Seafarers

MARINA takes over key maritime education functions under CHED transition plan
January 6, 2026 https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/971851/marina-takes-ov...

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has formally assumed several regulatory and student-related functions from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as part of the government’s MARINA–CHED Transition Plan.

MARINA clarifies: Seafarers with valid basic training can still board vessels
SHERYLIN UNTALAN, January 6, 2026 https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/pinoyabroad/dispatch/971864/marina-clari...

Marina finalizes shipping laws and safety reforms
Genivi Verdejo and Yashika F. Torib January 7, 2026 https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/01/07/business/maritime/marina-finalize...

Tanker trade freezes as Maduro arrest deepens Venezuela oil paralysis
Sam Chambers January 5, 2026 https://splash247.com/tanker-trade-freezes-as-maduro-arrest-deepens-vene...

US is making plans to intercept Venezuela-linked oil tanker that Russia has claimed jurisdiction over, sources say
Natasha Bertrand, Alayna Treene, Kylie Atwood, Zachary Cohen, Avery Schmitz 5 January 2026 https://edition.cnn.com/2026/01/05/politics/us-plans-intercept-oil-tanker

Venezuela impact on tanker markets may be limited in the near-term
Gary Howard January 5, 2026 https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/tankers/venezuela-impact-on-tanker-mar...

Crude grades, infrastructure neglect, and Russia long-haul trades dampen Venezuela raid freight market ripples.

Guess who’s invited to dinner: Industry leaders reveal their shipping heroes
Eric Priante Martin and TradeWinds staff 5 January 2026 https://www.tradewindsnews.com/special-reports/guess-who-s-invited-to-di...

Nigeria arrests 22 Indian ship crew members in cocaine seizure
Ajaypal Choudhary Jan 04, 2026 https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-arrests-22-indian-ship-crew-member...

(excerpts)

Nigeria's drug enforcement agency Sunday (Jan 04) said it had arrested 22 Indian crew members of a merchant ship after 31.5 kilogrammes of cocaine was found on the vessel at Lagos's main port.

US Navy ship, crew rescued Filipino fishermen in WPS — Phl Navy
Lade Jean Kabagani 03 Jan 2026 https://tribune.net.ph/2026/01/03/us-navy-ship-crew-rescued-filipino-fis...

The Philippine Navy on Saturday expressed its appreciation to the United States Navy for the humanitarian assistance provided to three Filipino fishermen rescued by the crew of USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE-14) in the West Philippine Sea.

Baltic Shadow Games: Finland Detains Cargo Ship in Suspected Hybrid Attack
Paul Morgan January 2, 2026 https://gcaptain.com/baltic-shadow-games-finland-detains-cargo-ship-in-s...