Pinoy seamen banned from boarding ships in danger zones

THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has banned the deployment of Filipino seafarers for passenger and cruise ships that will sail through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden due to upsurge in attacks on shipping in the two areas.

The DMW issued Department Order 2 after the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) classified as “High-Risk Areas” (HRAs) and “War-like Zones” (WLZs) the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The directive was issued based on discussions with the DMW and the Philippine Maritime Industry Tripartite Council (MITC).

The DMW and the MITC agreed to address the urgent need for stricter protocols to ensure the safety of Filipino seafarers navigating the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Under the order, licensed manning agencies must sign an “affirmation letter” guaranteeing that the vessels their seafarers board will not navigate the Red Sea or the Gulf of Aden. This commitment, along with the vessel’s detailed itinerary, must be submitted to the DMW during the documentation of crew employment contracts or before their deployment.

The order also stated that Filipino seafarers listed as crew members must also sign the affirmation letter acknowledging their vessel will not enter the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden.

The DMW remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguard the well-being of Filipino seafarers, adding that these measures reflect the DMW’s dedication to ensuring safe working conditions and protecting Filipino seamen.