The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) on Friday offered to reissue all relevant documents, without any requirements or fees, for seafarers affected by attacks in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and other areas believed to be perpetrated by Houthi rebels.
In a statement, MARINA administrator Sonia Malaluan said she has directed the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Office and regional offices to reissue documents to affected seafarers without any hassle or cost.
“This will ensure that once seafarers recover from the trauma and are ready to return to sea, they have the necessary credentials,” Malaluan said.
She added that the agency would call on the international community to urge shipping lines to avoid passing through conflict zones such as the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden following several attacks by Houthi rebels.
“Hindi pwedeng tapatan ang buhay ng tao (It is not possible pay back the cost of human life). It might be costly to pass through another route, it may take an additional 22 days to go around, but still, we are ensuring that we are not putting the lives of seafarers at risk,” she said.
Last week, MARINA also expressed support for the Department of Migrant Workers and its policy that would grant Filipino seafarers the option to avoid boarding ships passing through high-risk areas or war zones.
Since last year, at least four ships with Filipino crew onboard have been attacked, with at least two Filipinos killed, 17 held hostage, and one still missing.
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