seafarertimes.com ~ Maritime News for Filipino Seafarers

Marcos orders alignment of Philippine maritime practices with global standards
January 18, 2024 https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/01/18/2326747/marcos-orders-alig...

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued a directive to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to standardize its maritime practices and bring them in line with global standards.

Iran seizes oil tanker; abducted Pinoy seamen now total 35
Jacob Lazaro - January 13, 2024 https://globalnation.inquirer.net/225281/iran-seizes-oil-tanker-abducted...

Iran’s navy on Thursday seized a Greek-owned, Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker off Oman, carrying 18 Filipino crewmen, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

Oil tanker with 18 Filipino crewmen hijacked near Oman
Reuters January 12,2024 https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/550498/oil-tanker-with-18-filipino-cr...

The Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker St. Nikolas was boarded by armed intruders as it sailed close to the Omani city of Sohar, according to British maritime security firm Ambrey, and its AIS tracking system was turned off as it headed in the direction of the Iranian port of Bandar-e-Jask.

Global trade falls amid Houthi attacks on merchant ships in Red Sea
Jack Simpson and Sarah Butler 11 Jan 2024 https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/jan/11/global-trade-falls-hout...

Global trade fell in December as Houthi attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea disrupted operations. The boss of the world’s biggest shipping line has said it could take months before the trade route is safe to traverse.

Ships Advertise Chinese Links to Avoid Houthi Attack in Red Sea
Alex Longley January 11, 2024 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-01-11/ships-advertise-chine...

At least five vessels transiting the Red Sea are using their signals to say they have links to China — the latest unusual measure taken to try and avoid attack by Houthi militants in the Red Sea.

Iran seizes oil tanker in Gulf of Oman; 18 Pinoys among crew
JANA CHOUKEIR and AHMED ELIMAM, Reuters January 11, 2024 https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/pinoyabroad/dispatch/893880/iran-seizes-...

Israel-Hamas conflict spurs seafarer pay boost
Raine Cruz January 10, 2024 https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/01/10/business/maritime/israel-hamas-co...

Marina to speed up processing of seafarer certificates through digitalization
Yashika F. Torib January 10, 2024 https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/01/10/business/maritime/marina-to-speed...

SLOW and lengthy processing of documents and certificates has been a constant challenge for Filipino seafarers, especially those residing in distant provinces.

IMO Piracy Report: Nine ships attacked during November
January 10, 2024 https://safety4sea.com/imo-piracy-report-nine-ships-attacked-during-nove...

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has published its Monthly Piracy Report for the month of November.

The following acts of piracy and armed robbery are allegedly committed against ships during the month of November 2023, reported by IMO Member States or international organizations in consultative status.

Filipino crew members safe after hijacking attempt in North Arabian Sea
Adrian Parungao - January 06, 2024 https://globalnation.inquirer.net/225047/filipino-crew-members-safe-afte...

MANILA, Philippines — India Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran said on Saturday that the Indian and Filipino crew of MV Lila Norfolk are safe after a hijacking attempt in the North Arabian Sea.