Saudi Oil Tankers Alter Route Following Houthi Warning

Two oil tankers carrying Saudi Arabian crude oil changed course in the Red Sea after Yemen's Houthi group issued a warning to shipping companies regarding operations involving Saudi ports. According to vessel tracking data, the tankers Xin Long Yang and Rodos turned toward the Suez Canal instead of continuing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The warning followed the Houthis' announcement of what they described as a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. The group also sent notices to shipping companies stating that vessels loading or unloading cargo at Saudi ports could be at risk of attack. The development has increased concerns over the security of commercial shipping in the Red Sea, one of the world's most important maritime trade routes.

Advisory for Seafarers Bound for Saudi Arabian Ports

Seafarers with upcoming voyages involving Saudi Arabian ports are advised to remain vigilant following a warning issued by Yemen’s Houthi movement. The Houthis are an armed group based in Yemen that has become well known in the maritime industry for carrying out attacks against merchant vessels operating in the Red Sea and nearby waters. The group’s attacks have been linked to incidents that have resulted in vessels being damaged or sunk, while several seafarers including Filipino seafarers have been reported killed, injured, or missing during the ongoing maritime security crisis.

President Bongbong Marcos Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to Protect Filipino Seafarers

President Bongbong Marcos has reaffirmed the Philippine government’s commitment to protecting the safety and welfare of Filipino seafarers, particularly those deployed in conflict-affected and high-risk maritime areas. Speaking during the commencement exercises of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) Salighirang Class of 2026, the President assured maritime workers that the government remains ready to assist them amid evolving global security challenges. President Marcos said the administration continues to strengthen the country’s maritime education, training, and certification systems to ensure Filipino seafarers remain globally competitive while maintaining international standards. He emphasized that beyond improving employability, the government also prioritizes the protection of Filipino crews serving aboard vessels operating in conflict-prone regions, including parts of the Middle East.

Oman Faces Major Environmental Threat as Grounded Tanker Continues to Deteriorate

Oman is facing a growing environmental emergency after the grounded tanker Caroline Bezengicontinued to deteriorate off the coast of Dhofar, raising concerns about a possible large-scale oil spill. The vessel, which ran aground near the Hallaniyat Islands, has reportedly suffered significant structural damage and is beginning to break apart due to strong monsoon seas. Authorities fear that if the tanker breaks up completely, thousands of tons of crude oil could be released into the surrounding waters. The 274-meter tanker, built in 2001 with a deadweight of 159,168 tons, was reportedly carrying a full cargo of crude oil after departing Novorossiysk, Russia, and was bound for India. Operating under the name Caroline Bezengi since 2023, the vessel had been displaying a Cameroon flag. However, reports indicate that the registration may no longer have been valid after Cameroon removed several sanctioned vessels from its registry. The tanker has also been linked to Russia's so-called "dark fleet" and has been sanctioned by the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States due to its previous association with Russian state-owned shipping interests.

Congratulations to the Graduates of St. Therese–MTC Colleges – Magdalo Site!

MARINO PH extends its warmest congratulations to the graduates of St. Therese MTC Colleges – Magdalo Site on the successful celebration of their 38th Commencement Exercises, Completion, Certification, and Recognition Ceremony, held on July 21, 2026, at the Iloilo Convention Center. This year\'s theme, "42 Years of Sustaining Excellence Through Innovation," reflects the institution\'s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and the continuous development of future professionals.

PMMA Salighirang Class of 2026!

A total of 327 graduating midshipmen of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) officially embark on a new chapter as future maritime professionals and uniformed service officers. Led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the commencement exercises held at the PMMA Complex in San Narciso, Zambales, the graduates represent a new generation of leaders committed to excellence, integrity, discipline, and dedicated service to the nation.

West Bay Colleges Honors Class of 2026 During 25th Maritime Recognition Rites

MUNTINLUPA CITY, Philippines — West Bay Colleges, Inc. successfully held its 25th Maritime Recognition Rites on July 17, 2026, at the West Bay College Auditorium, honoring the Maritime Class of 2026 as they completed their three-year classroom instruction and prepared to begin their shipboard training.

MARINO PH and COMPMAN Strengthen Nearly a Decade of Partnership

MARINO PH and COMPMAN have officially renewed their Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), reaffirming a partnership that has remained strong for nearly a decade. The signing represents another significant milestone in the long-standing collaboration between the two organizations, both of which share a common commitment to supporting the Filipino maritime workforce through education, professional development, and industry engagement. The renewed agreement underscores their dedication to working together in delivering initiatives that benefit aspiring seafarers, maritime professionals, and the wider maritime community while continuously adapting to the evolving demands of the global shipping industry.

GPS AND GNSS

Many people use the terms GPS and GNSS interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same. GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite navigation system developed by the United States, while GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) is the general term for all global satellite navigation systems, including GPS, Russia\'s GLONASS, Europe\'s Galileo, and China\'s BeiDou.

The International Code of Signals (ICS)

The International Code of Signals (ICS) is a standardized maritime communication system used by ships worldwide to exchange important information regardless of language. It uses signal flags, Morse code, and radio communications to ensure clear, safe, and effective communication between vessels and shore stations.

Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP)

The Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) is a mandatory onboard emergency response plan required under MARPOL Annex I. It provides the crew with clear procedures and guidance for responding quickly and effectively to an actual or suspected oil pollution incident, helping minimize environmental damage and ensuring timely reporting to the appropriate authorities.

Types of Marks in the IALA Buoyage System

The International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) Buoyage System is an internationally recognized navigation system designed to help mariners navigate safely through coastal and inland waters. It standardizes the use of buoys, beacons, lights, and other navigational aids to indicate safe routes, hazards, and special areas. Although IALA operates under two buoyage regions (Region A and Region B), the system uses the same types of navigational marks worldwide, ensuring consistency and improving maritime safety.