Second Tanker Reportedly Hit in Strait of Hormuz

A second oil tanker was reportedly struck while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, further escalating concerns over the security of one of the world's busiest and most strategically important maritime trade routes. According to maritime reports, the incident occurred around the same time another oil products tanker was also reportedly attacked in the area. The first tanker reportedly sustained damage that led to an engine room fire, forcing the crew to abandon the vessel. All crew members were later rescued, according to initial reports. Meanwhile, the second vessel, identified as the VLCC Acheloos, was also reportedly hit, although the extent of the damage has not yet been officially confirmed.

DMW Urges Shipowners to Keep Vessels Away from High-Risk Areas

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has again urged shipowners and licensed manning agencies to avoid sending vessels through high-risk and warlike areas, including parts of the Black Sea, to help protect Filipino seafarers. According to DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, the agency has recorded an increase in security incidents in the Black Sea, an area classified by the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) as a High Risk/Warlike Area. As of July 20, 2026, the DMW reported that nine vessels carrying Filipino seafarers had allegedly been affected by drone attacks while sailing or while docked at ports in Ukraine and Russia.

DMW Closely Monitoring Black Sea Drone Attacks Involving 139 Filipino Seafarers

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said it is continuously monitoring the security situation in the Black Sea following a series of drone attacks involving commercial vessels. During a press conference on July 20, 2026, the agency reported that nine vessels carrying a total of 139 Filipino seafarers had reportedly been attacked while sailing or while docked at ports in Ukraine and Russia. According to DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, 124 Filipino seafarers have been confirmed safe. However, the incidents resulted in two fatalities, 12 injuries, and one seafarer who remains missing. The affected ships were mostly bulk carriers and oil or product tankers, with many of the reported attacks occurring while the vessels were alongside, at anchor, or shortly after leaving port.

France Redeploys Naval Forces, Reshuffles Arabian Sea Mission

France has started reorganizing its naval deployment in the Middle East by withdrawing the aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle from the region while maintaining a smaller naval presence in the Arabian Sea. The carrier reportedly transited the Suez Canal earlier this month before returning to its home port in Toulon. French authorities later confirmed its return, while several naval vessels remained deployed in the region. The remaining force includes escort ships and mine-countermeasure assets that may support maritime security operations if necessary. European naval units from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and other partner countries are also involved in the mission.

PMMA Salighirang Class of 2026!

A total of 327 graduating midshipmen of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) officially embark on a new chapter as future maritime professionals and uniformed service officers. Led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the commencement exercises held at the PMMA Complex in San Narciso, Zambales, the graduates represent a new generation of leaders committed to excellence, integrity, discipline, and dedicated service to the nation.

West Bay Colleges Honors Class of 2026 During 25th Maritime Recognition Rites

MUNTINLUPA CITY, Philippines — West Bay Colleges, Inc. successfully held its 25th Maritime Recognition Rites on July 17, 2026, at the West Bay College Auditorium, honoring the Maritime Class of 2026 as they completed their three-year classroom instruction and prepared to begin their shipboard training.

MARINO PH and COMPMAN Strengthen Nearly a Decade of Partnership

MARINO PH and COMPMAN have officially renewed their Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), reaffirming a partnership that has remained strong for nearly a decade. The signing represents another significant milestone in the long-standing collaboration between the two organizations, both of which share a common commitment to supporting the Filipino maritime workforce through education, professional development, and industry engagement. The renewed agreement underscores their dedication to working together in delivering initiatives that benefit aspiring seafarers, maritime professionals, and the wider maritime community while continuously adapting to the evolving demands of the global shipping industry.

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.

The International Code of Signals (ICS)

The International Code of Signals (ICS) is a standardized maritime communication system used by ships worldwide to exchange important information regardless of language. It uses signal flags, Morse code, and radio communications to ensure clear, safe, and effective communication between vessels and shore stations.

Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP)

The Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) is a mandatory onboard emergency response plan required under MARPOL Annex I. It provides the crew with clear procedures and guidance for responding quickly and effectively to an actual or suspected oil pollution incident, helping minimize environmental damage and ensuring timely reporting to the appropriate authorities.

Types of Marks in the IALA Buoyage System

The International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) Buoyage System is an internationally recognized navigation system designed to help mariners navigate safely through coastal and inland waters. It standardizes the use of buoys, beacons, lights, and other navigational aids to indicate safe routes, hazards, and special areas. Although IALA operates under two buoyage regions (Region A and Region B), the system uses the same types of navigational marks worldwide, ensuring consistency and improving maritime safety.

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.