THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has extended the validity of identification documents of seafarers who are affected by the Middle East crisis.
Marina Advisory 2026-21 granted an extension of three months for soon-to-expire Seafarer’s Record Books (SRBs), Seafarer’s Identification and Record Books (SIRBs), and Seafarers Identity Documents (SIDs) of Filipino seafarers who remain onboard vessels affected by the escalating security situation in the Middle East and are unable to disembark due to disrupted crew change operations.
The extension covers documents expiring on or before June 30, 2026, and applies automatically without the need for individual applications.
Marina, in a statement, said that the move aims to ease the burden on seafarers who continue to serve at sea under difficult and uncertain conditions, ensuring that documentary requirements do not add pressure to those already delayed onboard due to circumstances beyond their control.
Shipping companies, shipowners, and Licensed Manning Agencies (LMAs) are directed to report all covered cases to Marina through mds@marina.gov.ph.
Meanwhile, authorized company representatives or vessel masters were advised to sign all submissions and follow the prescribed format under Annex 1 of Marina Advisory 2026-21.
Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan stressed the urgency and human focus of the agency’s response.
“Our seafarers are trapped in a situation they did not choose, far from their families and unsure of when they can finally come home. We act not just as a regulator, but as a government that stands with them in their most difficult moments. This extension gives them breathing space and assures them that Marina is with them every step of the way,” Administrator Malaluan said.
Marina reaffirmed its commitment to protect Filipino seafarers deployed worldwide and to respond swiftly to crises that affect their safety, welfare, and dignity at sea.
