MARINO PH
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The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and MARINO PH formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Thursday at the DMW Central Office, establishing a digital partnership aimed at strengthening information sharing and enhancing support for Filipino seafarers around the world.
The image compares the basic construction and components of AC and DC motors. Both motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, producing rotational motion that can be used to operate different types of machinery and equipment.
U.S. Extends Jones Act Waiver for Another 90 Days Amid Maritime Policy Debate
The United States has extended a temporary waiver of the Jones Act for another 90 days, allowing eligible foreign-flagged vessels to transport certain commodities between U.S. ports. The measure is intended to provide additional shipping flexibility as disruptions in global energy markets continue to affect transportation and supply chains. The Jones Act, part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, generally requires cargo moving between U.S. ports to be transported aboard vessels that are U.S.-built, U.S.-owned and U.S.-crewed. The law has long been regarded as an important component of U.S. maritime and national security policy.
Tanker Captain Sentenced to 10 Months in Prison After Failing to Stop for U.S. Coast Guard
A U.S. federal court has sentenced the former master of the tanker Bella 1, later known as Marinera, to 10 months in prison after he admitted failing to comply with orders from the U.S. Coast Guard during a pursuit across the Atlantic. Avtandil Kalandadze, a 47-year-old Georgian national, pleaded guilty in June to one count of failing to “heave to” when directed by the U.S. Coast Guard. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, he is expected to be deported after completing his prison sentence.
22 Crew Members Rescued After Car Carrier Catches Fire Off Costa Rica
A total of 22 crew members were safely rescued after a car carrier vessel caught fire about 630 miles south of Costa Rica. The ship, named the Min Jiang Kou, was traveling through a remote area of the ocean when a blaze broke out in its engine room. The United States Coast Guard helped coordinate the emergency response after receiving a distress signal from the ship. The incident began on Thursday afternoon when the crew reported the engine room fire. Workers aboard the vessel quickly activated the ship's built-in carbon dioxide fire suppression system, which temporarily contained the flames. However, conditions on the ship deteriorated later that night as smoke began to fill the vessel.
Ukraine Reportedly Agrees to Halt Attacks on Foreign Tankers Serving Caspian Pipeline
Ukraine has reportedly agreed to stop attacks on certain foreign-flagged oil tankers operating in the Black Sea near the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal at Novorossiysk, Russia. The agreement was reportedly reached following pressure and diplomatic efforts from the United States after recent attacks disrupted tanker and terminal operations. Several tankers operating near the CPC terminal were reportedly targeted in recent weeks. While damage to the vessels was generally reported as minor, the incidents forced temporary suspensions of loading operations as a safety precaution. The pipeline and its offshore loading connections were reportedly not damaged.
EV Growth Opens Potential Investment Opportunities for Filipino Seafarers
As more Filipinos shift to electric vehicles, the country’s growing EV industry is creating potential opportunities not only for motorists but also for individuals seeking to participate in the future of transportation.
In the maritime industry, ship visits are often associated with inspections, audits, and operational reviews. Sometimes, however, the most meaningful part of stepping onboard is not checking procedures but reconnecting with the people who live and work at sea. That was exactly the spirit behind VMSC personnel’s recent visit to M/V CNC PILIPINAS, one of the CMA CGM vessels manned entirely by Filipino seafarers. The visit provided an opportunity to spend time with the crew, observe their workplace firsthand, and gain a deeper understanding of the realities of life at sea. Walking through the bridge, engine room, accommodation, and deck areas gave the shore team a renewed appreciation of the professionalism, discipline, and teamwork required to safely operate a container vessel.
As the global maritime industry continues to demand highly competent professionals and reliable crew management, Virtue Maritime Services Corp is positioning itself as a manning agency committed to delivering quality service, operational excellence, and comprehensive seafarer welfare. Guided by the principles of integrity, professionalism, and accountability, the company aims to build lasting relationships with both its principals and its crew by providing dependable recruitment and crewing solutions that meet international standards. With a forward-looking approach and a strong commitment to continuous improvement, Virtue Maritime Services Corp seeks to become a trusted partner for the global shipping industry while creating sustainable career opportunities for Filipino seafarers.
The University of the Visayas (UV) successfully held the 108th Maritime Recognition Rites, celebrating the achievements of the College of Maritime Education Class of 2026. The ceremony honored the graduates for their dedication, perseverance, and commitment throughout their academic journey as they reached an important milestone toward becoming future maritime professionals. Faculty members, university officials, families, and guests gathered to recognize the hard work of the graduating class and to celebrate the beginning of their transition from the classroom to the global maritime industry.
The engine valve is a critical component of an internal combustion engine, responsible for controlling the flow of gases into and out of the combustion chamber. The intake valve opens to allow the air-fuel mixture (or fresh air in diesel engines) to enter the cylinder, while the exhaust valve opens to release the burned gases after combustion. By opening and closing at precisely timed intervals, these valves ensure efficient engine breathing, proper combustion, and optimal engine performance.
Welding positions are standardized techniques that determine the orientation of the workpiece and the direction in which welding is performed. The infographic highlights the eight common welding positions used in fabrication, construction, and shipbuilding: Flat, Horizontal, Vertical, Overhead, Rotating, Fixed, Fixed (Pipe), and Inclined. Each position requires different levels of skill, body positioning, and control to produce strong, high-quality welds while maintaining safety and efficiency.
LIFE-SAVING APPLIANCES (LSA) CODE
The Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) Code is part of the SOLAS Convention. It provides detailed requirements for the design, construction, performance, and maintenance of life-saving equipment carried on board ships, such as lifeboats, life jackets, liferafts, and distress signals. Every seafarer should be familiar with these appliances to ensure a safe and effective response during emergencies.
Celestial navigation is the practice of determining a vessel\'s position by observing the locations of celestial bodies such as the Sun, Moon, stars, and planets. For centuries, mariners have relied on this traditional method by measuring the altitude of these bodies above the horizon using a sextant. In modern Navigation 4, celestial navigation remains an essential skill, providing a reliable backup method for position fixing and helping seafarers better understand the relationship between the Earth, the sky, and safe navigation. Celestial bodies continue to serve as natural guides, especially when electronic navigation systems are unavailable.
