DMW-ADVISORY-09-2026 — ESCALATION OF TENSIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND IMPLICATIONS ON SEAFARER SAFETY

Republic of the Philippines Department ot Aligrant Morkers

Blas F. Ople Building, Ortigas Avenue cor. EDSA, Mandaluyong City 1550

TAHANAN NG OFW Website: www.dmw.gov.ph | Email.: [email protected] | Hotlines: 87221152,8722 1155, 88221159, 8724 3665 BAGONC PILIPINAS

ADVISORY NO.0 9

Series of 2026

FOR ALL LICENSED MANNING AGENCIES (LMAs) PRINCIPALS/SHIPOWNERS, AND FILIPINO OVERSEAS

SEAFARERS

SUBJECT IMPLICATIONS ON SEAFARER SAFETY ESCALATION OF TENSIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND

DATE 01 March 2026

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) wishes to inform all concerned that the security

with reported civilian casualties and damage to critical infrastructure. situation in the Middle East has escalated following reported large-scale military actions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. These developments have resulted in heightened hostilities, including missile and drone attacks affecting strategic locations in the Gulf region,

In view of the continuing volatility and its potential impact on international shipping and crew movement, the Department recognizes that Filipino seafarers may be exposed to elevated security, safety, and welfare risks, both onboard vessels and during transit for deployment, repatriation, or crew change.

Accordingly, all Licensed Manning Agencies (LMAs), principals, and shipowners are hereby enjoined to exercise the highest degree of caution and to strictly observe the following precautionary and protective measures in accordance with the Department's existing policies rules and regulations as well as the provisions of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers (R.A 12021) and other applicable laws, rules and regulations:

1.Continued Observance of Existing DMW Issuances

e All existing DMW advisories and directives concerning the Red Sea, Gulf of

Aden, and adjacent high-risk areas remain in full force and effect. The seafarer's right to refuse sailing, request re-routing, or decline assignment to high-risk areas without prejudice shall be strictly observed.

2. Vessel Routing and Navigation

Avoid the passage of vessels carrying Filipino seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz and other high-risk maritime chokepoints in the Middle East, unless absolutely necessary and supported by a comprehensive security risk assessment. Shipowners and operators are strongly encouraged to consider alternative routing to mitigate exposure to armed conflict, missile threats, and maritime security incidents.

DEPARTMENT OF MIGRANT WORKERS General Services Divisiol Administrative Service

Date: March 04, 2026 RECEIVED By: _RICHIE M. GUEVARRA Time: 01:00 P.M. By:DMW General Services Division on _March 04, 2026 CONTROLLED AND DISSEMINATED

3. Suspension of Crew Change Operations

Crew change operations shall not be conducted in conflict-affected areas. including ports and transit points within the Middle East and nearby regions with heightened security risks as determined by the Department of Foreign

Alternative safe ports and neutral transit hubs shall be identified for crew embarkation and disembarkation. Affairs(DFA)

4. Assistance to and Continuous Monitoring of Stranded Seafarers

LMAs and principals shall provide immediate assistance to Filipino seafarers stranded in international and local airports or transit areas, including: Rebooking or rerouting of flights; Provision of meals, communication access, and basic necessities; and Close coordination and reporting updates to Migrant Workers Offices. Secretary for Seabased OFW Concerns (OASSOC). embassies, consulates concerned and the office of the Assistant

5. Temporary Accommodation and Welfare Support

Seafarers awaiting rebooking or onward travel at Philippine or international

Under no circumstances shall seafarers be left unattended or compelled to terminal airports shall be provided temporary hotel accommodation, transportation, and subsistence provision, as necessary. shoulder expenses arising from security-related travel disruptions.

6. Shipboard Safety and Preparedness

Vessels operating near affected regions shall implement enhanced ship Submit an immediate status report on affected vessels and Filipino crew. security measures, including heightened watchkeeping, updated security briefings, and adherence to Ship Security Plans. Activate contingency and emergency response plans, including evacuation or Confirm the exact location and status of all vessels under your management Verify the sufficiency of food, water,medical supplies, and essential operating in or near Iranian waters; provisions on board; Ensure continuous communication between Principals, Masters, and crew; rerouting options where feasible;

7. Salaries and Wages

Despite seafarers able to leave the point of hire but failed to proceed and that the circumstances are not attributable to the fault of either the principal or ultimately join their intended vessel, salaries and wages may not be paid given the LMA. However, for those seafarers who would be repatriated on account of the current situation, applicable wages will apply in accordance with the prevailing Standard Terms and Conditions (STC).

CONTROLLED ANDDISSEMINATED By: DMW General Services Division on _March 04, 202e

8. Mandatory Reporting

LMAs are directed to immediately report in the OFW Welfare Monitoring System (OWMS) and the DMW-OAsSOC at [email protected] and [email protected], copy furnished the Sea-based Accreditation

stranding, refusal to sail, or security-related concern involving Filipino seafarers arising from the current situation. LMAs shall provide periodic reports and updates on the situation of the affected seafarers until their safety has been secured or the situation has been resolved. Bureau (SBAB) at [email protected], relative to any incident, delay,

For information and strict compliance

HAWS LEO J. CACDAC Secretary

CONTROLLED AND DISSEMINATED By: DMW General Services Division on _March 04, 2026