Manila, Philippines – The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has extended the validity of documents of Filipino crew members on board of ships affected by the Gulf War in the Middle East.
In a statement issued by the Marina on Sunday, the organization acknowledged the significant challenges faced by Filipino seafarers who are unable to leave their ships due to security threats in the Middle East, which have primarily affected their operations.
According to the Marina, amid the Gulf War in the Middle East, all Filipino crew members with Seafarer’s Record Books (SRBs), Seafarer’s Identification and Record Books (SIRBs), and Seafarer’s Identity Documents (SIDs) that have expired or are set to expire on June 30, 2026 have been extended by up to three months.
While the Filipino crew members are still on board ships, their documents have been extended without the need to submit an application to the Marina.
The extension of documents was implemented, exclusively for the seafarers.
However, shipping companies, ship owners and Licensed Manning Agencies (LMAs) were instructed to report to the Marina the documents covered by the notice.
According to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), out of the nearly 6,000 Filipino crew members stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, only about 1,100 seafarers have safely crossed the Persian Gulf.
A large number of them reportedly boarded ships and passed through the Strait of Hormuz, including five cruise ships carrying an estimated 800 Filipino crew members.
Meanwhile, there are still about 3,500 Filipino seafarers aboard 150 vessels that remain in the Persian Gulf, and have still not been able to cross the Strait of Hormuz for six weeks.
Where there is a risk of logistics problems such as food and fresh water for the seafarers.—Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News