The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has issued an urgent directive to the Philippine-Registered Overseas Fleet (PROF) to bypass high-risk zones in the Middle East as regional hostilities continue to escalate.
In a press statement released on March 2, 2026, the agency announced Advisory No. 2026-08, which mandates that shipping companies strictly implement precautionary security measures and maintain high levels of vigilance.
This move follows an intensive assessment of the navigational status of all Philippine-registered vessels currently operating in international waters.
The agency is actively tracking the positional data of ships transiting through areas of geopolitical concern to ensure the safety of the fleet. Under the new advisory, vessels are explicitly advised to avoid transiting affected areas to mitigate risks to both the ships and the personnel on board.
MARINA stated that it remains vigilant and ready to take further necessary measures to safeguard Philippine-registered vessels and Filipino seafarers.
The safety of Filipino seafarers, who make up a significant portion of the global maritime workforce, is being managed through a multi-agency effort. MARINA is overseeing vessel security and navigational compliance, while the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) are monitoring the welfare and contract status of affected crew members. The government’s heightened alert level follows recent reports of disruptions in major maritime corridors, and authorities are urging all shipping operators to remain in constant communication with international maritime security centers.
