seafarertimes.com ~ Maritime News for Filipino Seafarers

Gov’t unveils key reforms to empower PH sea­farers
Dar­win G. Amo­jelar. 10 Apr 2026. Manila Standard. (Via Press Reader)

IN A major move to empower the local mari­time sec­tor, the Mari­time Industry Author­ity (MARINA) has rolled out a land­mark policy to mod­ern­ize licens­ing pro­ced­ures and open new career paths for Filipino sea­farers.

Under Memor­andum Cir­cu­lar No. MD-2026-01, updated stand­ards have been estab­lished for Major Pat­rons, Minor Pat­rons, Boat Cap­tains, Mar­ine Diesel Mech­an­ics and Motor­men.

Over 5,000 Filipino seafarers stranded in Persian Gulf amid Middle East crisis
Dwight de Leon Apr 8, 2026 https://www.rappler.com/philippines/overseas-filipinos/seafarers-strande...

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said a total of 5,601 Filipino seafarers are stranded in the Persian Gulf due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Digital seafarer passport pitched at IMO session
April 9, 2026 https://splash247.com/digital-seafarer-passport-pitched-at-imo-session/

A new digital identity platform for seafarers has been put in front of flag states at the IMO’s Facilitation Committee (FAL 50), as the industry looks to cut paperwork and tighten security checks.

Liberian Registry: Sanctions Compliance Checks Should Extend to Seafarers
Apr 8, 2026 https://maritime-executive.com/article/liberian-registry-sanctions-compl...

Crew management is hitting a breaking point
April 3, 2026 https://splash247.com/crew-management-is-hitting-a-breaking-point/

Across the maritime sector, a workforce crisis is quietly building — and the industry’s reliance on outdated systems is running out of time, writes Gary Glover, the founder of CrewDex.

ITF: Seafarers in Persian Gulf now rationing food
Yashika F. Torib April 1, 2026 https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/04/01/business/maritime/itf-seafarers-i...

Iran to allow Philippine ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz
The Editorial Team April 3, 2026 https://safety4sea.com/iran-to-allow-philippine-ships-to-transit-the-str...

The Philippines has received assurances from Iran that Philippine-flagged vessels, fuel shipments and Filipino seafarers will be allowed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, Manila’s foreign ministry said on 2 April.

How Filipino seafarers can get help as Middle East situation evolves
Tricia Gajitos, April 03, 2026 https://gulfnews.com/world/mena/how-filipino-seafarers-can-get-help-as-m...

Coordination tightened to safeguard maritime workers

DFA: Iran assures safe passage for PH vessels, seafarers in Strait of Hormuz
Malaya News Team April 2, 2026 https://malaya.com.ph/business/business-news/dfa-iran-assures-safe-passa...

In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Iran has committed to allowing the safe, unhindered, and expeditious passage of Philippine-flagged vessels, energy shipments, and Filipino seafarers through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Boat fares, cargo rates to rise by up to 30% as MARINA raises surcharge cap
March 31, 2026 |https://www.philstar.com/business/2026/03/31/2518101/boat-fares-cargo-ra...

MANILA, Philippines — Domestic shipping fares and cargo rates are set to climb by as much as 30% after the Maritime Industry Authority raised the ceiling on fuel-related surcharges, citing soaring global oil prices driven by the Middle East crisis.