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Francesco Gargiulo is the Chief Executive Officer of the International Maritime Employers’ Council, widely known as IMEC. He is one of the key figures in global maritime labour relations, representing the voice of maritime employers in important discussions that affect seafarers, shipowners, and the wider shipping industry.
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.
Tanker Attacks Raise New Concerns Over Shipping Through Strait of Hormuz
Two oil tankers carrying Saudi crude were reportedly attacked near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday night, raising fresh concerns over commercial shipping through the key waterway. The incidents came as the United States maintained that the shipping route remains open despite continuing tensions involving Iran and U.S. forces in the region. The Liberian-flagged tanker Senegal Prosperity, managed by South Korea’s Sinokor, was reportedly struck by three projectiles on its port side near Khasab, Oman. The attack damaged the vessel’s engine room and ballast tank, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations. The crew abandoned the tanker and was rescued by local authorities. The Saudi-flagged tanker Sidr was also reportedly attacked in the same area only minutes earlier and later anchored near the Omani coast.
INTERTANKO: Hormuz Mine Clearance ‘Not Sufficient’ to Restore Normal Shipping
The International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO) has welcomed the clearance of sea mines from internationally recognized shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz but said the development alone is not enough to restore normal commercial traffic. The group said wider security risks continue to affect shipping operations in the area. U.S. Central Command confirmed that mines had been cleared from the Strait’s Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS), removing a major threat that has affected tanker operations for months. However, INTERTANKO said vessels using the established shipping lanes could still face interference as tensions remain in the region.
Abandoned Tanker Drifts Toward Turkish Coast After Black Sea Attack
Two abandoned vessels damaged during the continuing conflict in the Black Sea were reported drifting toward the Turkish coastline, prompting local residents to alert authorities. The Turkish Coast Guard reportedly responded and took control of the area as the unmanned vessels approached the shore. The larger vessel was identified as the Golden Sapling, a 19,455-deadweight-ton product tanker owned by Chinese interests and registered in Hong Kong. Built in 1999, the vessel was heading toward the Russian port of Novorossiysk when it was reportedly struck by a drone on August 26.
Tanker Incident Involving Military Forces Reported Off Oman Amid U.S.-Iran Escalation
A tanker was reportedly involved in an incident with military forces in the Indian Ocean off Oman, according to a United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) advisory issued Monday. The agency said it received a report from the vessel’s master but did not provide details about the tanker, the military forces involved, or what occurred during the encounter. The incident reportedly took place east of Oman in the Arabian Sea, outside the Strait of Hormuz. UKMTO advised vessels operating in the area to remain alert and monitor the latest maritime security information as authorities continue their investigation.
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.
Bayanihan Para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa Brings Jobs and Reintegration Support to Returning OFWs
MANILA, Philippines — Returning overseas Filipino workers and jobseekers gathered for the “Bayanihan Para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa: A National Reintegration Network and Job Fair” on August 26, 2026, at the San Andres Sports Complex in Malate, Manila. The event provided employment opportunities and reintegration support for Filipino migrant workers returning to the country.
EU-ASEAN SCOPE Forum Advances MLC Implementation and Seafarer Protection
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Maritime leaders, government officials, industry representatives, legal experts, and seafarer welfare advocates gathered for the EU-ASEAN SCOPE Seafarers Forum on Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) Implementation on August 26, 2026, at the Diamond Hotel in Manila. The forum served as a platform for stakeholders to discuss measures aimed at strengthening maritime labor standards and improving the protection of seafarers.
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.
Basic splices are fundamental seamanship techniques used to join ropes, create permanent loops, or finish rope ends. Understanding the different types of splices is important for safe and effective rope handling during various shipboard operations.
The IALA Maritime Buoyage System is an internationally recognized system of buoys, beacons, and navigation marks used to guide vessels safely at sea and in navigable waterways. Developed by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), it helps mariners identify safe channels, hazards, isolated dangers, and special areas through standardized colors, shapes, topmarks, and lights. The system includes Lateral Marks, Cardinal Marks, Isolated Danger Marks, Safe Water Marks, Special Marks, and Emergency Wreck Marking Buoys, providing mariners with a common and reliable system for safe navigation worldwide.
The Beaufort Scale is a system used to measure and describe wind strength from 0 to 12. For seafarers, it is important because wind conditions directly affect the sea state, vessel movement, and safety of navigation. By understanding the scale, seafarers can assess weather conditions and anticipate changes while at sea. The Beaufort Scale helps captains and crew members make informed decisions about navigation, cargo operations, and safety. Strong winds can create rough seas, high waves, and dangerous working conditions. Therefore, knowing the Beaufort number helps seafarers prepare for bad weather, avoid unnecessary risks, and protect the vessel, cargo, and crew.
