The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has issued Advisory No. 2026-08, directing all Philippine-registered ships on international voyages to implement heightened security, monitoring, and reporting measures amid the escalating US-Iran conflict.

The advisory directs shipowners, operators, managers, and manning agencies to strictly observe precautionary measures to safeguard Filipino seafarers and ensure the security of vessels operating in or transiting affected areas:

• Continuously monitor maritime security advisories from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), and relevant flag state authorities.

• Maintain heightened vigilance, with AIS and GMDSS watches, adherence to traffic separation schemes, and strict communication protocols.

• Immediately report any incidents, observed military activity, or suspicious approaches to MARINA, while keeping 24-hour communication with companies and Migrant Workers Office posts.

• Enforce onboard security following the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, including crew briefings and activation of the Ship Security Plan.

The agency also emphasized prioritizing crew welfare under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, including timely repatriation and immediate contact with Philippine embassies or the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for distressed seafarers.

MARINA urged all maritime stakeholders to disseminate the advisory to vessels operating in affected areas and ensure strict compliance to safeguard both ships and Filipino seafarers amid rising geopolitical tensions.