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.

Philippines Retains Position as World's Leading Supplier of Seafarers in BIMCO-ICS 2026 Report

The Philippines has once again maintained its position as the world's largest supplier of seafarers, according to the Seafarer Workforce Report 2026 jointly released by the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS). The report underscores the country's continued leadership in supplying qualified maritime professionals who serve aboard merchant vessels engaged in international trade.

U.S. Launches Third Round of Strikes on Iran Following Containership Attack in Strait of Hormuz

The United States has launched a third round of military strikes against targets in Iran following an attack on a Cyprus-flagged containership transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The operation marks another escalation in the ongoing tensions affecting one of the world's most critical maritime trade routes. According to U.S. officials, the containership sustained significant damage after being struck while navigating the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel reportedly caught fire and suffered engine room damage, forcing it to stop operations. Authorities also confirmed that one civilian crew member remains missing following the incident.

South Korea Seeks North Korea's Help for Missing Seaman

South Korea has requested North Korea's cooperation in the search for a missing navy seaman who disappeared while on duty near the maritime border separating the two countries in the East Sea. The appeal was made through South Korea's Ministry of Unification, which said the sailor may have drifted across the Northern Limit Line (NLL), the disputed maritime boundary between the two Koreas. According to South Korean authorities, the seaman went missing on July 12 while participating in a coast guard-related naval operation. Search and rescue efforts were immediately launched by the South Korean Navy, while officials acknowledged the possibility that ocean currents could have carried the missing sailor north of the maritime boundary.

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.

DMMA College of Southern Philippines Holds 32nd Commencement and 25th Recognition Exercises

The DMMA College of Southern Philippines successfully held its 32nd Commencement and 25th Recognition Exercises at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier in Davao City, celebrating another milestone in maritime education. The ceremony honored the graduates and completers of the Class of 2026, recognizing their years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance as they prepare to take the next step in their professional journey.

Thousands of Maritime Opportunities Open as Philippines Celebrates International Day of the Seafarer

MANILA, Philippines — In celebration of the International Day of the Seafarer on June 25, maritime stakeholders and government agencies gathered at Rizal Park Hotel in Manila to honor Filipino seafarers through a special job fair aimed at creating new career opportunities and recognizing their invaluable contribution to global shipping.

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.