Philippines fixes Aden rules

THE PHILIPPINES employment association has approved a resolution covering the deployment of its seafarers in the Gulf of Aden, Fairplay learnt today.

According to documents seen by Fairplay, the terms of the resolution stipulate that vessels with Filipino seafarers must travel within the maritime security zone. They must also submit a security plan to the appropriate authorities and ensure crew are trained how to deal with piracy incidents.

Shipowners and managers are required to immediately report any incidents of piracy involving their ships through manning agents to the foreign affairs department and labour department, the resolution said.

Anyone who breaks the rules will face unspecified sanctions.

Ship managers, manning agents, owners and seafarers are all bound by the resolution. It does not need government approval.

The resolution – which comes into force next month – formalises measures first suggested by President Arroyo in April. At the time it was reported that Philippine seafarers would be banned from working on ships transiting the Gulf of Aden to stop being at risk from piracy.

The industry has criticised the ban claiming it would not solve the problem and was unworkable.

(Source: Fairplay)