seafarertimes.com ~ Maritime News for Filipino Seafarers

DOST unveils Filipino-made e-boat
Ma. Cristina Arayata February 29, 2024 https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219847

MANILA – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) officially introduced on Thursday the Filipino-made Safe, Efficient and Sustainable Solar-Assisted Plug-In Electric Boat (SESSY E-Boat) via a demo run at the Manila Yacht Club.

Developed by researchers from Mapua University, the PHP19-million project was co-funded by the DOST and the Department of Energy.

Foreign shipping firms interested, but in no rush to enter PH
Roumina Pablo March 1, 2024 https://www.portcalls.com/foreign-shipping-firms-interested-but-in-no-ru...

No foreign entities have so far applied to operate in the Philippine domestic shipping trade almost two years after the Public Service Act (PSA) was amended, according to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).

Crew Members Charged With Transporting Iranian Weapons To Appear In US Court
MI News Network February 28, 2024 https://www.marineinsight.com/shipping-news/crew-members-charged-with-tr...

Crew of Rubymar cargo ship not rescued by ‘Yemen’ after missile attack
29 February 2024 https://fullfact.org/online/rubymar-crew-rescue-yemen-false/

What was claimed
Yemen sank the British ship the ‘Rubymar’ but rescued its 24-man crew.

A claim that crew members of a cargo ship sunk in the Red Sea were rescued by “Yemen” has been circulating online.

Saudi offshore owner accused of abandoning crew across multiple vessels
Adis Ajdin February 29, 2024 https://splash247.com/saudi-offshore-owner-abandons-crew-across-multiple...

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has revealed multiple concerning reports about withheld pay from seafarers working on eight ships owned by Saudi Arabian marine services contractor Hadi H Al Hammam Establishment.

MARINA begins orientation on blockchain-enabled e-processing
February 29, 2024 https://www.portcalls.com/marina-begins-orientation-on-blockchain-enable...

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has started orienting industry stakeholders on its blockchain-enabled system for electronically processing applications.

ITF calls out Saudi shipowner and Bahrain authorities
Gary Howard | Feb 29, 2024 https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/management-crewing/itf-calls-out-saudi...

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has accused a Saudi Arabian shipowner of abandoning seafarers, and the Bahrain maritime authorities of “looking the other way”.

Pride in Maritime Day 2024 - Navigating Equality at Sea
28 Feb 24 https://www.humanrightsatsea.org/news/pride-maritime-day-2024-navigating...

-excerpts-
Progress and Ongoing Challenges

While significant progress has been made in fostering LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the maritime sector, challenges persist. In various parts of the world, it is still illegal to be gay, and individuals face persecution for their sexual orientation.

Marcos holds back, delays signing of Magna Carta for seafarers into law
Dwight de Leon Feb 26, 2024 https://www.rappler.com/philippines/marcos-delays-signing-magna-carta-se...

Malacañang says the proposed Magna Carta for seafarers – which Marcos was scheduled to sign on Monday – is 'under further review'

MARINA sets 2024 priorities, with digitalization as highest priority
Roumina Pablo February 26, 2024 https://www.portcalls.com/marina-sets-2024-priorities-with-digitalizatio...

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has identified priorities for 2024, with digitalization of processes, enhancing maritime safety, and passage of relevant bills in Congress taking centerstage.