DMW Advisories on Escalation of Tensions in the Middle East and Seafarer Safety
12 March 2026
We would like to notify our members employing Filipino seafarers on board their vessels about the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Advisories No. 8 and No. 9, issued in March 2026, regarding the escalation of tensions in the Middle East and its implications for Filipino seafarers, particularly for vessels operating in or transiting the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman.
Please find below an explanatory update from our correspondents in Manila, Del Rosario, on the contents of these advisories.
For further information on manning agents’ and shipowners’ obligations in warlike and high-risk areas, please refer to our previous Member Alert: “DMW Urges Shipowners, Manning Agencies to Steer Clear of ‘High-Risk’ Areas” dated 16 July 2025.
Overview
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has issued Advisories, in response to the escalation of tensions in the Middle East following reported large‑scale military actions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Recent developments have resulted in heightened hostilities, including missile and drone attacks affecting strategic locations in the Gulf region, with reported civilian casualties and damage to critical infrastructure. These conditions pose elevated security, safety, and welfare risks to Filipino seafarers, both onboard vessels and during deployment, repatriation, and crew change operations. In light of this, the DMW has updated the designation of the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman into Warlike Operations Areas.
The advisory applies to all Licensed Manning Agencies (LMAs), principals, shipowners, and Filipino seafarers, and must be read together with existing DMW issuances, the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers (R.A. No. 12021), and applicable rules and regulations.
Key Directives Under the Advisory
1. Continued Observance of Existing DMW Issuances
- All existing DMW advisories covering the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and adjacent high‑risk areas remain in full force and effect.
- The seafarer’s right to refuse sailing, request re‑routing, or decline assignment to high‑risk areas without prejudice must be strictly respected.
2. Vessel Routing and Navigation
a. Vessels carrying Filipino seafarers should avoid passage through the Strait of Hormuz and other high‑risk maritime chokepoints in the Middle East unless absolutely necessary.
b. Any unavoidable transit must be supported by a comprehensive security risk assessment.
c. Shipowners and operators are strongly encouraged to consider alternative routing to reduce exposure to armed conflict, missile threats, and maritime security incidents.
3. Suspension of Crew Change Operations
a. Crew change operations are prohibited in conflict‑affected areas, including ports and transit points within the Middle East and nearby high‑risk regions, as determined by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
b. Alternative safe ports and neutral transit hubs must be identified for crew embarkation and disembarkation.
4. Assistance to and Monitoring of Stranded Seafarers
LMAs and principals are required to provide immediate assistance to Filipino seafarers stranded at airports or transit points, including:
* Rebooking or rerouting of flights;
* Provision of meals, communication access, and basic necessities; and
* Close coordination and regular reporting with Migrant Workers Offices, embassies, consulates, and the **Office of the Assistant Secretary for Sea‑Based OFW Concerns (OASSOC)**.
5. Temporary Accommodation and Welfare Support
- Seafarers awaiting onward travel must be provided with temporary hotel accommodation, transportation, and subsistence, as necessary.
- Seafarers must not be left unattended or required to shoulder expenses arising from security‑related travel disruptions.
6. Shipboard Safety and Preparedness
Vessels operating near affected regions must implement enhanced safety measures, including:
* Heightened watchkeeping and updated security briefings;
* Strict adherence to Ship Security Plans;
* Verification of vessel location and status, particularly near Iranian waters;
* Confirmation of adequate food, water, medical supplies, and essential provisions;
* Continuous communication between principals, masters, and crew; and
* Activation of contingency and emergency response plans, including evacuation or rerouting where feasible.
Immediate status reports on affected vessels and Filipino crew must be submitted.
7. Salaries and Wages
a. Where seafarers are unable to join their vessels due to the situation and without fault of the principal or LMA, salaries may not be payable.
b. Seafarers repatriated due to the current situation shall be entitled to applicable wages in accordance with the prevailing Standard Terms and Conditions (STC).
8. Mandatory Reporting
LMAs are required to immediately report any incident, delay, refusal to sail, stranding, or security‑related concern involving Filipino seafarers through:
* The OFW Welfare Monitoring System (OWMS); and
* DMW‑OASSOC, with copies furnished to the Sea‑Based Accreditation Bureau (SBAB).
Periodic updates must be submitted until the situation is resolved or the seafarers’ safety is secured.
What Should Be Done
Shipowners, principals, and manning agencies should:
a. Review vessel routes and crew movement plans involving the Middle East
b. Avoid high‑risk transit areas where possible and document security assessments
c. Suspend crew changes in conflict‑affected areas
d. Ensure full welfare support for stranded or delayed seafarers
e. Strengthen shipboard security and emergency preparedness
f. Maintain prompt and complete reporting to DMW and relevant offices
Failure to comply may expose principals and agencies to regulatory, contractual, and labor liabilities.
Correspondent’s contact details:
Del Rosario & Del Rosario Law Offices
Office Address
14th Floor, Del Rosario Law Centre
21st Drive corner 20th Drive
Bonifacio Global City
1630 Taguig, Metro Manila
Telephone
+63 2 8810 1791
Fax
+63 2 5317 7890
24/7 Mobile
+63 917 830 8384
Email
mail@delrosariolaw.com
mail@delrosario-pandiphil.com
The Swedish Club publishes member alerts as a service to members. While the information is believed correct, the Club or the Correspondent cannot assume responsibility for completeness or accuracy.