seafarertimes.com ~ Maritime News for Filipino Seafarers

Marcos: Gov’t working to secure release of seafarers held by Houthi rebels
Gaea Katreena Cabico November 23, 2023 https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/11/23/2313636/marcos-govt-workin...

MANILA, Philippines — The government is taking every measure to ensure the safety of the 17 Filipino seafarers who were taken hostage by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said.

Seafarers rescue distressed fisherman off Pangasinan
Martin Sadongdong Nov 19, 2023 https://mb.com.ph/2023/11/19/seafarers-rescue-distressed-fisherman-off-p...

Filipino crew members of a Hong Kong-flagged cargo vessel have rescued a distressed fisherman who was floating off Pangasinan and eating styrofoam to survive after an apparent sea mishap, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Sunday, Nov. 19.

More must be done to protect seafarers and fishers’ rights says Work at Sea Conference
16 November 2023 https://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_901957/lang-...

The first joint seafarers high-level conference organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) acknowledged the pivotal role played by seafarers and fishers in future global development.

The training racket and the seafarer
Andrew Craig-Bennett November 16, 2023 https://splash247.com/the-training-racket-and-the-seafarer/

Andrew Craig-Bennett bemoans our industry’s misguided approach to training.

DMW padlocks consultancy firm illegally recruiting seafarers
Marita Moaje November 14, 2023 https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1213651

MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Tuesday padlocked a consultancy firm in Manila reportedly involved in the illegal recruitment of seafarers and offering other maritime jobs.

Consistent downward trend in seafarer happiness
Staff reporter 13 Nov 2023 - https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/consistent-downward-trend-seafarer...

Issues around wages, workload and connectivity are continuing to weigh heavily on the seafaring community, raising serious concerns for the industry.

Turkey warns ‘poison merchants’ after cocaine found tied to Berge Bulk anchor chain
Gary Dixon 15 Nov 2023 https://www.tradewindsnews.com/bulkers/turkey-warns-poison-merchants-aft...

Easing seafarers' burdens through service and compassion
Yashika F. Torib November 15, 2023 https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/11/15/business/maritime/easing-seafarer...

WHAT is it like to lead a 200-year-old maritime welfare charity that was born, raised, and managed in the ways of the old?

8 Filipino seafarers in limbo months after arrest over alleged drug transport
Michelle Abad Nov 14, 2023 https://www.rappler.com/nation/overseas-filipinos/seafarers-in-limbo-mon...

Eight Filipino seafarers arrested in Algeria over alleged drugs found on the vessel they were working on have not been able to contact their families for nearly 3 months

Make it easy for shipowners to pick up/let off seafarers
GOTCHA - Jarius Bondoc - November 15, 2023 | https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2023/11/15/2311569/make-it-easy-shipown...

How can government ensure more overseas job placements for 490,000 Filipino seafarers? How can it lower their costs of boarding and debarking at international ports?