Marina extends seafarer documents by three months amid Middle East crisis

April 27 ------ The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) granted a three-month extension on key identification documents for Filipino seafarers stranded onboard ships due to the worsening security situation in the Middle East. Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan said the extension covers Seafarer’s Record Books, Seafarer’s Identification and Record Books, and Seafarer’s Identity Documents that have expired or will expire on or before June 30, 2026. It applies automatically and does not require individual applications, she added.

The agency said the move addresses delays in crew changes as tensions in the region continue to disrupt operations. Many Filipino seafarers remain unable to disembark despite completing their contracts. “Our seafarers are trapped in a situation they did not choose, far from their families and unsure of when they can finally come home,” Malaluan said.

The Philippines is one of the world’s largest suppliers of maritime labor. Hundreds of thousands of Filipino seafarers serve on international vessels and they play a vital role in global trade and in supporting the country’s economy through remittances. “We act not just as a regulator, but as a government that stands with them in their most difficult moments,” Malaluan said. The document extension seeks to prevent additional stress among seafarers already dealing with prolonged deployment, Marina said, adding that expired papers should not become another burden while they remain at sea. “This extension gives them breathing space and assures them that MARINA is with them every step of the way,” Malaluan stressed.

Shipping companies, shipowners, and licensed manning agencies are required to report all affected cases to Marina through its official email. Submissions must be signed by authorized company representatives or vessel masters and they must also follow the format prescribed under Advisory No. 2026-21. The Middle East crisis, which began when the United States and Israel launched coordinated military attacks in Iran in late February, has strained global shipping routes and crew logistics, and raised concerns over the welfare and safety of seafarers deployed in high-risk areas. But Malaluan assured the public that the Marina will continue to monitor the situation and respond to developments affecting Filipino seafarers worldwide.

Source: mb.com.ph