The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and MARINO PH formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Thursday at the DMW Central Office, establishing a digital partnership aimed at strengthening information sharing and enhancing support for Filipino seafarers around the world.
The engine valve is a critical component of an internal combustion engine, responsible for controlling the flow of gases into and out of the combustion chamber. The intake valve opens to allow the air-fuel mixture (or fresh air in diesel engines) to enter the cylinder, while the exhaust valve opens to release the burned gases after combustion. By opening and closing at precisely timed intervals, these valves ensure efficient engine breathing, proper combustion, and optimal engine performance.
Russia Reports Strikes on Vessels and Port Facilities in Southern Ukraine
Russia has reported carrying out strikes against vessels and military-related facilities in southern Ukraine, including areas connected to Black Sea maritime operations. According to Russia’s Defence Ministry, Russian forces used precision weapons and attack drones against targets in Odesa that it alleged were supporting Ukrainian military activities. Russian authorities also claimed that cargo vessels and facilities in the port of Mykolaiv were struck, alleging that the targets were being used to transport or store military equipment and supplies.
Turkey Resumes Black Sea-Bound Ship Transits Through Strategic Straits
Turkey has resumed the passage of commercial vessels through its straits toward the Black Sea following temporary delays that affected some ships amid heightened maritime security concerns in the region. Ship-tracking data showed that vessels were again moving through the Dardanelles on Sunday. Among them was the crude oil tanker Aegean Dream, which had reportedly waited in the area since Thursday before proceeding toward Russia’s Novorossiysk. A container vessel was also reported to have passed through while indicating the same destination.
Taiwan Criticizes China’s Traffic Rules for Ships During Typhoon
Taiwan has criticized China’s decision to impose traffic control measures on ships entering the Taiwan Strait during Typhoon Dolphin. Taipei said China has no authority to restrict access to international waters and described the move as unreasonable. Chinese state media reported that ships heading north through the southern entrance of the Taiwan Strait would have to follow traffic control measures starting Thursday night. Vessels were told to move to safe waters and follow instructions from maritime authorities during the storm.
Turkey Restricts Black Sea Ship Traffic After Rise in Vessel Attacks
Turkey has reportedly restricted some commercial ship traffic heading into the Black Sea following a rise in attacks on vessels in the region. The move comes amid growing concerns over the safety of ships operating near areas affected by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Directorate General of Coastal Safety has reportedly told several vessels bound for Novorossiysk, a major Russian port for oil and grain exports, that transit permits through the Dardanelles Strait are not currently being issued or may require additional review. Some vessels heading to Ukraine have also reportedly been affected by the restrictions.
In the maritime industry, ship visits are often associated with inspections, audits, and operational reviews. Sometimes, however, the most meaningful part of stepping onboard is not checking procedures but reconnecting with the people who live and work at sea. That was exactly the spirit behind VMSC personnel’s recent visit to M/V CNC PILIPINAS, one of the CMA CGM vessels manned entirely by Filipino seafarers. The visit provided an opportunity to spend time with the crew, observe their workplace firsthand, and gain a deeper understanding of the realities of life at sea. Walking through the bridge, engine room, accommodation, and deck areas gave the shore team a renewed appreciation of the professionalism, discipline, and teamwork required to safely operate a container vessel.
As the global maritime industry continues to demand highly competent professionals and reliable crew management, Virtue Maritime Services Corp is positioning itself as a manning agency committed to delivering quality service, operational excellence, and comprehensive seafarer welfare. Guided by the principles of integrity, professionalism, and accountability, the company aims to build lasting relationships with both its principals and its crew by providing dependable recruitment and crewing solutions that meet international standards. With a forward-looking approach and a strong commitment to continuous improvement, Virtue Maritime Services Corp seeks to become a trusted partner for the global shipping industry while creating sustainable career opportunities for Filipino seafarers.
The University of the Visayas (UV) successfully held the 108th Maritime Recognition Rites, celebrating the achievements of the College of Maritime Education Class of 2026. The ceremony honored the graduates for their dedication, perseverance, and commitment throughout their academic journey as they reached an important milestone toward becoming future maritime professionals. Faculty members, university officials, families, and guests gathered to recognize the hard work of the graduating class and to celebrate the beginning of their transition from the classroom to the global maritime industry.
Batch Maraliyag Marks Milestone at AIMS 55th Commencement Exercises and Recognition Day
The Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS) successfully held its 55th Commencement Exercises and Recognition Day, celebrating the achievements of Batch Maraliyag as they reached another important milestone in their maritime education. The event honoured the dedication, perseverance, and hard work of the students as they prepare for careers in the maritime industry.
Welding positions are standardized techniques that determine the orientation of the workpiece and the direction in which welding is performed. The infographic highlights the eight common welding positions used in fabrication, construction, and shipbuilding: Flat, Horizontal, Vertical, Overhead, Rotating, Fixed, Fixed (Pipe), and Inclined. Each position requires different levels of skill, body positioning, and control to produce strong, high-quality welds while maintaining safety and efficiency.
LIFE-SAVING APPLIANCES (LSA) CODE
The Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) Code is part of the SOLAS Convention. It provides detailed requirements for the design, construction, performance, and maintenance of life-saving equipment carried on board ships, such as lifeboats, life jackets, liferafts, and distress signals. Every seafarer should be familiar with these appliances to ensure a safe and effective response during emergencies.
Celestial navigation is the practice of determining a vessel\'s position by observing the locations of celestial bodies such as the Sun, Moon, stars, and planets. For centuries, mariners have relied on this traditional method by measuring the altitude of these bodies above the horizon using a sextant. In modern Navigation 4, celestial navigation remains an essential skill, providing a reliable backup method for position fixing and helping seafarers better understand the relationship between the Earth, the sky, and safe navigation. Celestial bodies continue to serve as natural guides, especially when electronic navigation systems are unavailable.
The image is an educational infographic about the right-angled triangle, highlighting its basic properties and the three primary trigonometric ratios: SOH, CAH, and TOA. It explains that a right-angled triangle has one angle measuring exactly 90 degrees, with the longest side called the hypotenuse and the other two sides identified as the opposite and adjacent depending on the reference angle. The clean layout and labeled diagrams make it easy to understand the relationship between the sides of the triangle. The infographic introduces the mnemonic SOH, which stands for Sine = Opposite ÷ Hypotenuse. A labeled right triangle demonstrates how the opposite side and the hypotenuse are used to calculate the sine of an angle. This visual approach helps learners remember the formula while understanding how each side is positioned relative to the given angle.