MANILA, Philippines — MARINO PH has established itself as the largest digital maritime media platform in the Philippines, building a nationwide and international audience centered on Filipino seafarers and the maritime industry. The organization now has more than 2.7 million followers on Facebook, while its official website, www.marinoph.com, has more than 900,000 subscribers and readers. Its digital presence is supported by strong social media reach and engagement, allowing maritime news, government advisories, industry developments, educational materials, employment information, and seafarer welfare updates to reach audiences in the Philippines and overseas. The MARINO PH website identifies the organization as the country’s largest maritime community and operates as a dedicated digital hub for maritime news, events, educational information, and other industry content.
Proper weight distribution is essential to ship stability. Even when the total weight remains the same, its location onboard can change the vessel’s center of gravity, trim, list, and stability. Correct cargo placement and weight management help maintain adequate stability, reduce excessive stresses, and ensure safer vessel operations at sea.
IRAN WARNS TANKERS NEAR KUWAIT AND BAHRAIN AMID ESCALATING GULF ATTACKS
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has issued an urgent warning to tanker crews near ports and anchorages in Kuwait and Bahrain, telling them to leave their vessels amid escalating military exchanges between Iran and the United States. The warning followed U.S. strikes on five Iranian crude oil tankers on September 8. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes came after the IRGC twice attempted to target a U.S. Navy warship with ballistic missiles. CENTCOM said the warship avoided the attacks and continued operating in the region.
Middle East Conflict Forces Historic St. Helena Out of Planned Antarctic Expedition Season
Terra Nova Expeditions has replaced the historic St. Helena for its inaugural 2026–2027 Antarctic expedition season after the vessel became unable to reposition safely and on schedule from the Persian Gulf. The expedition operator said the continuing security situation in the Middle East prevented the ship from reaching its required operating area in time. The 105-meter, approximately 6,800-gross-ton St. Helena was built in the United Kingdom and entered service in 1990. One of the last long-distance Royal Mail Ships , it carried passengers and cargo between Cape Town, Saint Helena and Ascension Island before being retired in 2018 following the introduction of regular air services to Saint Helena.
Hanwha Seeks Expanded U.S. Navy Role at Philadepia Shipyard
Hanwha Group is seeking a larger role in U.S. naval shipbuilding through its Philadelphia shipyard, including possible work on Navy vessels and ship components. The South Korean group said it intends to support efforts to increase American shipbuilding capacity. Hanwha completed its $100-million acquisition of the shipyard in December 2024. The company later announced plans to invest $5 billion in the facility, expand its workforce, install new production equipment, and substantially increase annual vessel output.
Five Dead After Passenger Vessel Fire Off Coron, Palawan
Five people were confirmed dead after passenger vessel MV June Aster caught fire in the waters off Coron, Palawan, at around 6:45 p.m. on September 9, 2026. Authorities immediately launched emergency response and search and rescue operations following the incident. A total of 42 passengers have been rescued, according to authorities. Three of the rescued passengers are reportedly in critical condition, while six have already been discharged from medical facilities.
STCW Philippine Conference 2026 Brings Maritime Stakeholders Together
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) held the STCW Philippine Conference 2026 on September 10, bringing together maritime stakeholders to discuss Philippine proposals concerning seafarer education, training, certification, safety, and welfare. The conference provided industry representatives and members of the Philippine Working Group with an opportunity to review and contribute to the country’s positions as the international maritime community continues the comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code.
3rd Annual APO MARINO AA Job Fair Opens in Manila for Filipino Seafarers
The ,3rd Annual APO MARINO AA Job Fair is being held today, September 2, 2026, at 1108 A. Mabini St., Ermita, Manila, formerly the OWWA Seafarer Hub, giving Filipino seafarers direct access to employment opportunities in the maritime industry.
NSD Committee Holds Successful Meeting Ahead of 2026 National Seafarers’ Day, National Maritime Week
The National Seafarers’ Day (NSD) Committee successfully held a preparatory meeting on Tuesday, September 1, at the Intership Crew Philippines, Inc. office at PITX in Parañaque City, as preparations continue for the 31st National Seafarers’ Day and 27th National Maritime Week this September 2026.
MARINA Updates Seafarers on SID/SRB System Recovery Following Cybersecurity Incident
MANILA — The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), led by Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan, provided updates during its August 31, 2026 press conference on the disruption affecting the Seafarer’s Identity Document (SID) and Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB) processing and issuance system. MARINA confirmed that the disruption was linked to a cybersecurity incident that prompted the agency to take the affected system offline while technical and security assessments were conducted.
Fire extinguishers are designed for different classes of fire, making proper selection essential for onboard safety. Common types include CO₂, dry powder, water, wet chemical, and foam extinguishers. Seafarers must know their correct applications, locations, and operating procedures to respond quickly and safely during a fire emergency at sea.
Ropes are essential equipment in shipboard operations, used for mooring, towing, lifting, rigging, cargo handling, and other deck activities. Different types of rope have specific properties, strengths, and limitations. Understanding the characteristics and proper applications of nylon, polyester, polypropylene, HMPE, wire rope, and Manila rope helps seafarers select the right rope for each operation and work safely onboard.
The recovery position is a basic first-aid technique used for an unconscious casualty who is breathing normally. It helps keep the airway open and allows fluids such as saliva or vomit to drain from the mouth, reducing the risk of airway obstruction. Before placing someone in the recovery position, the rescuer should check responsiveness, airway, and breathing and consider possible injuries.
Understanding the solar system remains important in maritime navigation, especially in celestial navigation. Mariners use the Sun, Moon, selected planets, and stars as reference points to determine a vessel’s position when navigating at sea. Knowledge of celestial bodies also helps navigators understand time, direction, seasonal changes, and astronomical observations used with nautical almanacs and navigation instruments. Even with modern GPS, celestial navigation remains a valuable backup skill for seafarers.