DMW urges Filipino seafarers to exercise caution in the Middle East

DMW urges Filipino seafarers to exercise caution in the Middle East
The Editorial Team March 18, 2026 https://safety4sea.com/dmw-urges-filipino-seafarers-to-exercise-caution-...

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has urged Filipino seafarers to exercise heightened caution while working in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) issued new advisories after tensions in the Middle East escalated, with reports of large-scale military actions involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Recent attacks using missiles and drones have hit key locations in the Gulf, causing civilian casualties and damage to critical infrastructure.

As a result, risks for Filipino seafarers have increased, both onboard ships and during deployment, repatriation and crew changes. In response, the DMW has officially classified the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman as Warlike Operations Areas.

The advisory applies to all licensed manning agencies, shipowners, principals, and Filipino seafarers, and should be followed alongside existing DMW regulations and the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.
Key directives under the advisory

1. Continued observance of existing DMW issuances

All existing DMW advisories covering the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and adjacent high‑risk areas remain in full force and effect.
The seafarer’s right to refuse sailing, request re‑routing, or decline assignment to high‑risk areas without prejudice must be strictly respected.

2. Vessel routing and navigation

Vessels carrying Filipino seafarers should avoid passage through the Strait of Hormuz and other high‑risk maritime chokepoints in the Middle East unless absolutely necessary.
Any unavoidable transit must be supported by a comprehensive security risk assessment.
Shipowners and operators are strongly encouraged to consider alternative routing to reduce exposure to armed conflict, missile threats, and maritime security incidents.

3. Suspension of crew change operations

Crew change operations are prohibited in conflict‑affected areas, including ports and transit points within the Middle East and nearby high‑risk regions, as determined by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Alternative safe ports and neutral transit hubs must be identified for crew embarkation and disembarkation.

4. Assistance to and monitoring of stranded seafarers

LMAs and principals are required to provide immediate assistance to Filipino seafarers stranded at airports or transit points, including:

Rebooking or rerouting of flights;
Provision of meals, communication access, and basic necessities; and
Close coordination and regular reporting with Migrant Workers Offices, embassies, consulates, and the **Office of the Assistant Secretary for Sea‑Based OFW Concerns (OASSOC).

5. Temporary accommodation and welfare support

Seafarers awaiting onward travel must be provided with temporary hotel accommodation, transportation, and subsistence, as necessary.
Seafarers must not be left unattended or required to shoulder expenses arising from security‑related travel disruptions.

6. Shipboard safety and preparedness

Vessels operating near affected regions must implement enhanced safety measures, including:

Heightened watchkeeping and updated security briefings;
Strict adherence to Ship Security Plans;
Verification of vessel location and status, particularly near Iranian waters;
Confirmation of adequate food, water, medical supplies, and essential provisions;
Continuous communication between principals, masters, and crew; and
Activation of contingency and emergency response plans, including evacuation or rerouting where feasible.
Immediate status reports on affected vessels and Filipino crew must be submitted.

7. Salaries and wages

Where seafarers are unable to join their vessels due to the situation and without fault of the principal or LMA, salaries may not be payable.
Seafarers repatriated due to the current situation shall be entitled to applicable wages in accordance with the prevailing Standard Terms and Conditions (STC).

8. Mandatory reporting

LMAs are required to immediately report any incident, delay, refusal to sail, stranding, or security‑related concern involving Filipino seafarers through:

The OFW Welfare Monitoring System (OWMS); and
DMW‑OASSOC, with copies furnished to the Sea‑Based Accreditation Bureau (SBAB).
Periodic updates must be submitted until the situation is resolved or the seafarers’ safety is secured.

What should be done

Shipowners, principals, and manning agencies should:

Review vessel routes and crew movement plans involving the Middle East
Avoid high‑risk transit areas where possible and document security assessments
Suspend crew changes in conflict‑affected areas
Ensure full welfare support for stranded or delayed seafarers
Strengthen shipboard security and emergency preparedness
Maintain prompt and complete reporting to DMW and relevant offices

Failure to comply may expose principals and agencies to regulatory, contractual, and labor liabilities.
DMW urges Filipino seafarers to exercise caution in the Middle EastDMW urges Filipino seafarers to exercise caution in the Middle East