DMW WANTS ‘HIGH-RISK AREA’ TAG FOR STRAIT OF HORMUZ
FOLLOWING the recent “detention” of the container ship MSC Aries and its crew, including four Filipinos, by Iranian authorities as it passed the Strait of Hormuz, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is now pushing for the classification of the waterway as a “high-risk area” (HRA).
In a statement issued last Tuesday, the agency said the measure will bolster the safety of seafarers of ships passing the Strait of Hormuz.
DMW Officer-in-charge Hans J. Cacdac said they will submit the proposal to the International Bargaining Forum (IBF), which is composed of representatives of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) and the international maritime employers, for consideration.
DMW will also seek the support of various stakeholders in the global maritime industry for the HRA classification of the Strait of Hormuz.
“By spearheading the push for this high-risk area designation, we are taking a proactive stance to encourage stricter enforcement of security measures and provide our seafarers with the necessary safeguards during their passage,” Cacdac said.
Last Saturday, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards seized the Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries in the Hormuz Strait due to its “links with Israel.”
DMW is working with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFW) to secure the release of the four Filipino crew of the said ship.
If the IBF approves the proposal, it will lead to an increase in vigilance and security patrols by regional authorities in the Strait of Hormuz.
Likewise, the sailors of ships passing through HRAS will be given the right to refuse sailing. Those who opt to exercise the right will be repatriated at the company’s cost and given compensation equal to two months’ basic wage as well bonus equal to basic wage.
This year, the IBF has designated the Gulf of Aden as an HRA and the southern portion of the Red Sea and the entire Gulf of Aden will be classified as “war-like zones” (WLZS) due to incidents of hijacking and missile attacks in the said areas.