By GMM News | 2024-07-04 | International Shipping News |

The Philippines is taking steps to restrict its seafarers from working on vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea due to escalating tensions from the Houthi operations.

During a press briefing in Manila, the Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac revealed intentions to increase safety precautions for Filipino seafarers on commercial ships in response to recent Houthi attacks.

The decision comes after a series of alarming incidents, including the seizure of the car carrier Galaxy Leader in November 2023 and attacks on the bulk carriers Tutor and Transworld Navigator, all of which had large numbers of Filipino crew members.

The Philippines has already repatriated the 21 surviving crew members from the MV Tutor.

Cacdac intends to remove the 27 Filipino seafarers from the Transworld Navigation once it arrives at the port.

Cacdac emphasized the situation’s complexity, citing ongoing security and risk evaluations with industry partners and the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard.

Filipinos make up a sizable share of the worldwide maritime workforce, increasing the impact of these initiatives.

In the initial phase, the Department will target three shipping companies: Evalend Shipping, Ray Car Carriers, and the owner of True Confidence.

Filipino seafarers will be forbidden from working on these companies’ ships transiting the Red Sea.

The prohibition could be extended to more ships as the department reviews the records of vessels targeted by the Houthis.

Shipowners will be required to provide affirmation letters stating that they will not employ Filipino seafarers in the Red Sea or the Gulf of Aden.

Previous guidelines recommend rerouting and prohibiting Filipino seafarers on passenger and cruise ships from travelling through these high-risk zones.

The Philippines also requires shipowners to notify Filipino crewmembers of planned transits via the Red Sea so that they can disembark.

78 Filipino seamen have already exercised their right to refuse such deployments.

Cacdac ordered shipowners to increase notice times and warned of consequences for anyone who failed to comply.

While not an absolute prohibition, the new guidelines attempt to improve the safety of Filipino seafarers by allowing them to travel on ships from banned companies only provided they avoid high-risk zones.

The Department will revise existing regulations to improve safety measures for Filipino seafarers.

Despite these safety measures, many Filipino sailors continue to accept journeys in dangerous waters due to the double hazard pay.

Cacdac accepted this but emphasised that protection takes priority before money. Seafarers operating in high-risk zones must be accompanied by maritime security escorts and armed guards and undergo extensive risk evaluations.

Licensed manning agencies are also instructed to avoid these dangerous routes and to provide additional compensation and security for people who agree to sail through high-risk areas.

Seafarers must be given adequate time to determine whether to continue their journey or refuse to board ships navigating these zones.

Reference: GMA Network, Phil Star