The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has expressed support for the implementation of a policy by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) which grants Filipino seafarers the option to avoid boarding ships that are passing by high-risk areas or warzones.
Emphasizing that no value or money can replace a life of a seafarer, Marina Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan said during a forum in Manila on Tuesday, June 25, that the agency puts premium in every overseas Filipino worker’s (OFW) safety.
During the panel discussion of the forum dubbed as "Iba Ang May Alam! Forum on Seafarer's Welfare", Malaluan stressed that the safety of Filipino seafarers “is non-negotiable.”
She added that ensuring seafarers onboard are medically fit is not considered as discrimination.
"She said that ensuring seafarers onboard are medically fit is not considered as discrimination. She also promotes the initiatives of Marina particularly in digitalization which aims to streamline frontline services, and appeals to seafarers to always follow the safety and security rules onboard ships," the Marina said in a statement on Wednesday, June 26.
The forum formed part of the celebration of the Day of Seafarers on Tuesday. The theme during this year's celebration was "Navigating the Future: Safety First #SafetyTipsAtSea” which, according to Malaluan, reminded them of the paramount importance of safety in shipping.
The Marina chief’s call came as Houthi rebels from Yemen began attacking merchant ships in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and other nearby territories over the Israel-Gaza war.
At least four merchant ships with Filipino crew onboard have already been attacked since last year, and at least two Filipino seafarers have been killed, 17 were being held hostage, while another one remained missing, according to authorities.
The Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden were already declared as war-like areas and the past attacks on passing vessels prompted the DMW to have Filipino seafarers exercise their right to refuse to board ship passing in the two areas.