seafarertimes.com ~ Maritime News for Filipino Seafarers

Makati lawmaker bares P2-billion plan to revive Pasig River ferry system
August 1, 2018 https://businessmirror.com.ph/makati-lawmaker-bares-p2-billion-plan-to-r...

The national government has allotted P2 billion to revive the Pasig River ferry system, this time with smaller boats moving through more stations at a faster pace, Makati City Rep. Luis N. Campos Jr. said on Tuesday.

The great freight swindle
BEN KRITZ, August 2, 2018 http://www.manilatimes.net/the-great-freight-swindle/425908/

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) attempted to rekindle interest in a long-standing controversy when it asked the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) this week to “act on the concerns of the business sector” regarding “questionable” surcharges imposed on local importers and exporters by international shipping lines.

20 years ISM Code: Where do we stand
02/08/18

Nigerian Pirates Kidnap 35 Seafarers in the Gulf of Guinea – Report
02/08/2018 https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/nigerian-pirates-kidnap-35-seafarer...

According to security firm EOS Risk Group, Nigerian pirates have kidnapped 35 seafarers from vessels in the Gulf of Guinea so far this year. This information was disclosed in their half year review of Nigerian piracy activity in the Gulf of Guinea.

Blacklisting as an industry retaliatory practice
Dennis Gorecho -August 2, 2018 https://www.panaynews.net/blacklisting-as-an-industry-retaliatory-practice/

MANY Filipino seafarers are reluctant to file complaints against their manning agents due to the so-called “blacklisting”, a practice used to prevent certain seafarers from being employed.

There is both “legal” and “illegal” blacklisting of seafarers.

With new technologies crew remain a shipowner's greatest asset
01 August 2018 http://www.seatrade-maritime.com/news/middle-east-africa/with-new-techno...

Shipowners and managers are embracing new business philosphies and technologies against the challenging economic backdrop the industry faces, but seafarers remain their greatest asset according to KVH Videotel.

Fire destroys cargo ship at a Zamboanga port
Faye Orellana - August 01, 2018 http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1016539/fire-destroys-cargo-ship-at-a-zambo...

Captains ‘hide ship locations in Med to avoid migrant rescues’
Tom Kington August 1 2018

Cargo ships at risk of having to take migrants they save from the sea back to Libya may be turning off their location signals to avoid being called to their rescue, a ship owners’ association has said.

The Libyan coastguard knows which cargo ships are near by and available to assist rescues because of ships’ location beacons. However, a ship’s captain would be concerned for the crew’s safety and that could influence a decision to remain undetected, it was claimed.

Container-shipping firms focus on asset optimisation amid high fuel prices, trade disruption
31/07/2018

Asset quality, size and diversification will determine the success of shipping companies in the next 18 months as higher costs, tighter environmental rules and worsening global trade relations risk offsetting buoyant demand and capacity reductions.

Quitclaims in seafarer’s claims
ATTY. DENNIS GORECHO |July 30,2018 - http://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/186993/quitclaims-seafarers-claims

Necessitous men are not, truly speaking, free men, especially in relation to quitclaims, waivers, or releases.

When a seafarer sustains injury, illness or lose his life, his employer does not hesitate to harness its immense resources to limit its liability for full compensation provided under the law and contract.