IMO Opposes Trump's Proposed 20% Cargo Charge in the Strait of Hormuz

The International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations agency responsible for regulating international shipping, has reiterated its opposition to charging vessels for passage through international straits following a proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose a 20% charge on cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal comes amid renewed tensions surrounding the strategic waterway. IMO spokesperson Natasha Brown said the organization has consistently maintained that ships should not be required to pay fees simply for passing through international waterways. The agency stressed that transit through straits used for international navigation is governed by international law, which supports the principle of free passage for commercial shipping.

U.S. to Resume Maritime Blockade of Iran as Hormuz Tensions Escalate

The United States is set to resume enforcement of a maritime blockade on Iran beginning Tuesday, according to a navigation advisory issued by the U.S. Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC). The advisory states that the measure will apply to vessels entering or departing Iranian ports, oil terminals, and coastal areas amid renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Under the advisory, ships attempting to enter or leave the designated blockaded area without authorization may be subject to interception, diversion, or capture. The guidance also warns that the use of force remains an option if vessels fail to comply with instructions issued by coalition naval forces. U.S. authorities clarified that the blockade is directed at maritime traffic involving Iran and does not restrict the passage of neutral commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian ports. The strait remains one of the world's most important shipping lanes, carrying a significant share of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports.

Crew Member Missing After Hormuz Ship Attack

Search and rescue operations are continuing for a missing crew member following an attack on the Cyprus-flagged container ship GFS Galaxy while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz. According to Cypriot authorities, the vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile early Sunday, causing severe damage and forcing the crew to abandon ship. The crew evacuated the vessel using a lifeboat and was later rescued by the Oman Navy. A total of 23 crew members were brought to safety, while one Indian national serving as the vessel's third engineer remains missing. Search efforts are ongoing as authorities continue to locate the missing seafarer.

Kuwait Reports Drone Attack on Offshore Oil Platform

Kuwait's Ministry of Defense has reported that an offshore drilling platform operated by Kuwait Oil Company in the country's territorial waters was targeted by a drone. Authorities said the incident caused material damage to the facility and left one worker injured, who was immediately transported for medical treatment. The ministry also confirmed that three land border posts in northern Kuwait were struck during the same series of incidents, resulting in additional material damage. Officials stated that the relevant government agencies responded immediately and initiated security and emergency measures following the attacks.

Mariana Academy and MARINO PH Renew Partnership to Strengthen Support for Filipino Seafarers

Manila, Philippines – Mariana Academy of Maritime Studies, Inc. and MARINO PH officially renewed their partnership through a formal signing ceremony, reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing the professional growth, education, and welfare of Filipino seafarers. The renewed collaboration marks another milestone in the longstanding relationship between the two organizations, both of which continue to play significant roles in serving the Philippine maritime sector.

Orophil Shipping International Co., Inc. Honors MV African Oasis Crew with Principals and Owners

MANILA, Philippines — Orophil Shipping International Co., Inc., together with its principals, Kawana Kaiun Co., Ltd. and Santoku Senpaku Co., Ltd., honored the officers and crew of MV African Oasis during a recognition ceremony held at Diamond Hotel Manila. The event paid tribute to the crew’s professionalism, courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication while serving in the challenging waters of the Strait of Hormuz, where heightened regional tensions have placed seafarers at greater risk.

WMU Scholars Visit Intership Crew Philippines’ New State-of-the-Art Office

Students from the World Maritime University (WMU) visited the new office of Intership Crew Philippines at PITX Tower 4, Parañaque City, on June 26 as part of an educational immersion aimed at providing a deeper understanding of the Philippine maritime industry. The visit gave the scholars an opportunity to observe how one of the country's established manning agencies operates while learning about the vital role of the Philippines in supplying competent seafarers to the global shipping sector.

Digital Partnership Strengthened to Advance the Welfare of Filipino Seafarers

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.

COLREGs Rules 1–41 | Complete Guide for Seafarers

PART A – GENERAL Rule 1 – Application Defines where and to whom the COLREGs apply. The rules govern vessels navigating on the high seas and all waters connected to them that are navigable by seagoing vessels, unless local regulations specifically apply. Rule 2 – Responsibility States that every vessel, owner, master, and crew remain responsible for taking all necessary precautions to avoid collisions. Good seamanship and common sense must always prevail, even if it means departing from the rules in exceptional situations. Rule 3 – General Definitions Provides definitions used throughout the COLREGs, including terms such as vessel, power-driven vessel, sailing vessel, fishing vessel, seaplane, vessel not under command (NUC), vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver (RAM), vessel constrained by her draft (CBD), underway, making way, and restricted visibility.

Understanding the Ballast Water Cycle

Ballast water is essential for maintaining a vessel\'s stability, trim, draft, and safe navigation. The ballast water cycle continuously changes depending on whether a ship is carrying cargo or sailing in ballast condition. Below is a step-by-step explanation of the process. 1. Ballast Voyage – Cargo Holds Empty When a vessel sails without cargo, it becomes lighter and less stable. To compensate, seawater is pumped into ballast tanks located at the bottom and sides of the ship. What happens: -Cargo holds are empty. -Ballast tanks are filled with seawater. -The additional weight improves stability and reduces excessive rolling and pitching. -The vessel safely travels to the loading port. Purpose: To maintain proper draft, trim, and stability while the ship is not carrying cargo.

Common Types of Knots Used on Board

A knot is a method of fastening or securing a rope by intertwining or looping it in a specific way. Knots are commonly used in maritime operations, rescue work, climbing, fishing, and daily activities to secure loads, join ropes, or create loops. Types of Knots and Their Definitions 1. Bowline Knot The Bowline is a strong loop knot used to create a fixed loop at the end of a rope that will not slip or tighten under load. It is widely used in maritime operations, rescue work, and mooring activities. Common Use: Securing lines to posts or rings Rescue operations Lifeboat and mooring work 2. Cleat Hitch A Cleat Hitch is a knot used to secure a rope around a cleat quickly and safely. It is commonly used on ships and boats for mooring lines. Common Use: Securing mooring ropes Docking operations Temporary rope fastening 3. Anchor Bend The Anchor Bend, also called the Fisherman’s Bend, is a knot used to attach a rope securely to an anchor, ring, or chain. Common Use: Attaching anchor lines Securing ropes to metal rings Maritime anchoring operations 4. Clove Hitch A Clove Hitch is a simple knot used for fastening a rope to a pole, post, or spar. It is easy to tie and untie but may slip if not under constant tension. Common Use: Temporary fastening Securing fenders Starting lashings 5. Figure Eight Knot The Figure Eight Knot is a stopper knot that prevents the rope from slipping through a pulley, block, or hole. It is stronger and safer than a simple overhand knot. Common Use: Preventing rope ends from fraying Climbing and rescue work Maritime safety applications

Cooling and Boiler Water Test: Ensuring Reliable Marine System Performance

Maintaining water quality is a critical part of efficient and safe ship operations. A Cooling and Boiler Water Test Kit is designed to help marine engineers monitor and manage the condition of water circulating through onboard cooling systems and boiler units. Regular testing supports equipment reliability, minimizes operational issues, and helps extend the service life of vital machinery. This testing kit contains the essential components required to perform routine onboard water analysis quickly and accurately. Included in the set are specialized reagents for hardness testing, chloride analysis, pH and alkalinity measurement, and nitrite/corrosion inhibitor evaluation. These tests provide valuable insight into water chemistry and allow early detection of conditions that may lead to scaling, corrosion, deposits, or reduced heat transfer efficiency. The kit also includes practical accessories such as a graduated syringe, dropper pipette, reaction test tube, sample bottle, plastic mixing container, color comparator chart, and an instruction manual with testing procedures. All components are organized in a protective carrying case with foam inserts, making the kit convenient for onboard use and storage. Routine cooling and boiler water testing is a standard preventive maintenance practice across the maritime industry. By maintaining proper water treatment parameters, vessel operators can improve machinery performance, reduce maintenance requirements, and support safer, more efficient vessel operations.