MARINA orders heightened security for Philippine ships amid escalating US-Iran conflict

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File photo of a port in the Philippines.

Philstar.com / File Photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has issued a security directive to all Philippine?registered vessels engaged in international voyages following the sharp escalation of the conflict between the United States and Iran.

In an advisory dated February 28, the maritime regulator directed shipowners, operators and manning agencies to implement precautionary measures to ensure the safety of Filipino seafarers and the security of vessels transiting affected regions.

The advisory called for the immediate implementation of enhanced security protocols, rigorous monitoring, and frequent reporting procedures by shipowners, operators, managers and manning agencies.

“All vessel owners, operators, technical managers, and manning agencies are directed to immediately disseminate this Advisory to their respective vessels operating in or bound for the affected areas,” Marina’s advisory read.

Situational awareness and navigation. The advisory mandates that all vessels maintain a continuous watch on their Automatic Identification System (AIS) and Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) at all times.

Masters and officers are directed to remain vigilant, maintaining heightened situational awareness and closely monitoring security alerts from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

Regarding safe navigation. Philippine-registered vessels must strictly adhere to established traffic separation schemes.

Masters are also instructed to maintain a continuous radio watch and monitor NAVTEX warnings for real-time updates on naval operations, safety zones, and restricted areas.

Mandatory reporting and communication. The advisory also instructs vessels to report any observed military activity, incidents, or suspicious approaches to MARINA’s Overseas Shipping Service.

Furthermore, ships are required to maintain a 24-hour communication watch with their respective technical managers and the Migrant Workers Office posts in the region.

Crews are also directed to relay their current positions, next ports of call and operational status to their owners for reporting to MARINA.

Security and crew welfare. Onboard security protocols must be heightened in accordance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, the advisory states.

Ship Security Plans must be reviewed and activated based on the specific threat levels in each vessel's area of operation.

Contact information. The following numbers are provided for shipowners to use for reporting and coordination: