DMW updates list of risk areas for seafarers

DMW updates list of risk areas for seafarers
Gerard Naval - October 23, 2023 https://malaya.com.ph/news_news/dmw-updates-list-of-risk-areas-for-seafa...

THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is advising employers of Filipino seafarers to observe payment of appropriate wages and benefits if their operations involve areas that are classified as “war-like” and “high risk” waters.

Based on Advisory No. 23-2023, the DMW provided an updated list of war-like and high risk areas as agreed on by the joint negotiating group of employers and the International Transport Workers’ Federation as the amended International Bargaining Forum List of Warlike and High-Risk Areas.

“The adoption of basic wages based on International Labor Organization Maritime Labor Convention 2006 guidelines in the computation of applicable benefits for seafarers, whose vessels are transiting through areas with warlike and high-risk designations, shall remain,” said DMW officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac.

Four areas are considered as “warlike operations areas,” namely 12 nautical miles off the mainland Yemeni Coast, including all parts, excluding Maritime Security Transit Corridor in the Red Sea; Sea of Azov and the Straits of Kerch, north of latitude 45° 03’ 00’N; Northern Black Sea Region; and all ports in Ukraine.

Seafarers to be deployed in those areas are entitled to a bonus equal to basic wage payable for five days minimum plus per day if longer; double compensation for death and disability; and right to refuse sailing, with repatriation at company’s cost and compensation equal to two month’s basic wage.

Considered as a “high-risk area” is the Black Sea. This means that seamen sailing there are entitled to bonus equal to basic wage, payable for the actual duration of stay/transit; double compensation for death and disability; and the right to refuse sailing, with repatriation at company’s cost and compensation equal to two month’s basic wage.

Classified as under “extended risk zone” is the Gulf of Guinea, from the Liberia/Ivory Coast border to 00°N 005°E, to the Angola/Namibia border.

Seafarers sailing are entitled to a bonus equal to basic wage, payable only on the day the vessel is attacked in an act of piracy; and double compensations for death and disability if they occur on the day the vessel is attacked.

DMW said the wages and benefits set shall be in effect retroactively starting September 1.