MARINA Conducts Heightened Vessel Inspections in Zamboanga Region

ZAMBOANGA REGION — The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has started intensified inspections of vessels operating in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu on February 2, 2026, following the directive of MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan. On the first day of the operation, three vessels were thoroughly inspected by MARINA Regional Office IX (MRO IX), including two roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels and one passenger vessel. MARINA said the compliance inspections will continue until all operating vessels in the area have been checked.

Death Toll in MV Trisha Kerstin 3 Sinking Rises to 40

The death toll from the sinking of the passenger ferry MV Trisha Kerstin 3 has increased to 40, according to the latest update from the Philippine Coast Guard. The vessel sank in waters off Basilan while traveling from Zamboanga City to Jolo. Search and retrieval operations remain ongoing as authorities continue to locate missing passengers.

France Detains Captain After Seizing Russian-Linked Tanker in Mediterranean

Paris, France — French authorities have detained the captain of the oil tanker Grinch following its interception and seizure by the French Navy in the Mediterranean Sea earlier this week. The tanker, which departed from the Russian port of Murmansk in early January, was stopped on suspicion of operating under a false flag and being part of a so-called “shadow fleet” used to circumvent Western sanctions on Russian oil exports, according to the Marseille prosecutor’s office. The 58-year-old captain, an Indian national, was placed into judicial custody on preliminary charges linked to the validity of the vessel’s registration and flag state documentation after the ship was diverted to anchor off the port of Marseille-Fos. Other crew members, who are also Indian nationals, remain aboard the tanker as investigators verify its navigation documents and compliance with international maritime regulations. French naval forces carried out the high-sea interception on Grinch in the western Mediterranean, between the southern coast of Spain and northern Morocco, last Thursday. The ship was reportedly flying a Comoros flag which authorities say may be a facade at the time of the boarding operation. This operation marks one of several recent European efforts to enforce sanctions intended to restrict Russia’s revenue from oil sales related to its war in Ukraine, with the vessel’s seizure reflecting growing international pressure on these “shadow fleet” operations. French President Emmanuel Macron publicly reaffirmed France’s commitment to upholding international law and sanction enforcement following the operation. The investigation will examine whether Grinch breached maritime law, including potential misuse of flag documentation and compliance with sanctions regimes, as authorities determine next steps in the case.

Shaping Future Seafarers Through Global Standards and Real Sea Experience

Maritime cadets under the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA) CADETS Program are currently undergoing intensive Shipboard Familiarization (MAREX), transforming classroom theory into real-world competence through hands-on training at sea. Recognized worldwide for its commitment to safety, excellence, and professionalism, the NSA Cadets Program continues to be a gold standard in developing future maritime leaders.

Joint Maritime Committee Conference 2026

Joint Maritime Conference 2026 Successfully Concludes, Spotlighting the Philippines’ Role in Global Shipping The Joint Maritime Conference 2026, “The Philippines in Global Shipping: Future Opportunities and Threats,” was successfully held on January 29, 2026, at Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Pasay City. Organized by the Joint Maritime Committee of the European Chambers of Commerce in the Philippines, the full-day conference concluded smoothly from opening to closing, earning strong positive feedback from participants across government, industry, and academia.

Shaping Future Seafarers Through Global Standards and Real Sea Experience

Maritime cadets under the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA) CADETS Program are currently undergoing intensive Shipboard Familiarization (MAREX), transforming classroom theory into real-world competence through hands-on training at sea. Recognized worldwide for its commitment to safety, excellence, and professionalism, the NSA Cadets Program continues to be a gold standard in developing future maritime leaders.

PMMAAI New Year’s Ball, B-Connect and Election

PMMA Alumni Association Hosts New Year’s Ball, Welcomes New Adopted Member, and Announces Elected Leaders for 2026–2027 The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association, Inc. (PMMAAI) successfully held its New Year’s Ball, B-Connect, and Election on January 8, 2026, at One Shangri-La Condominium Corporation, bringing together PMMA alumni from different generations for an evening of fellowship, recognition, and leadership transition.

MARINA Presents 2025 Accomplishments, Regulatory Reforms, and Maritime Roadmap at Year-End Press Con

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) presented its major accomplishments, regulatory reforms, and strategic priorities during its Year-End Press Conference held on 16 December 2025 at the 12th Floor Conference Room, MARINA Central Office in Manila.

Life-Saving Appliances (LSA)

Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) refer to the equipment and systems installed on board ships to protect lives and ensure survival at sea during emergencies such as abandonment, fire, collision, or sinking. These appliances are essential for safeguarding seafarers and passengers and form a critical part of a vessel’s emergency preparedness. LSA typically include lifeboats, liferafts, lifejackets, immersion suits, rescue boats, emergency communication devices, and visual distress signals. All equipment is strategically located and clearly marked to allow rapid access and deployment in emergency situations.

Fire Classification

A – Ordinary Combustibles Fires involving solid materials such as wood, paper, cloth, and plastics. B – Flammable Liquids Fires caused by liquids like gasoline, oil, paint, and solvents. C – Flammable Gases Fires involving gases such as LPG, propane, and butane.

Lathe Machine Operations

Lathe Machine Operations Lathe machines are fundamental tools in machining and marine engineering, designed to shape metal components with precision and consistency. By rotating the workpiece against a stationary cutting tool, a lathe enables the production of cylindrical, conical, and threaded parts commonly used in ship machinery, propulsion systems, and industrial equipment. Common Lathe Operations Facing Facing is used to produce a flat, smooth surface at the end of a workpiece. This operation ensures accurate length and proper seating of components. Taper Turning Taper turning creates a gradual reduction or increase in diameter along the length of a component. This is essential for shafts, couplings, and alignment-critical parts. Contour Turning Contour turning allows complex and curved profiles to be machined, often required for custom marine parts and specialized fittings.

Duties of an Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)

Duties of an Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) An Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) plays a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of a vessel’s electrical, electronic, and automation systems. As a key member of the engine department, the ETO is responsible for maintaining essential equipment that supports navigation, cargo operations, safety systems, and onboard living conditions. The ETO is in charge of the ship’s electric motors and power distribution systems, ensuring that machinery operates reliably at all times. This includes the maintenance and monitoring of the main and emergency switchboards, which are vital for uninterrupted electrical supply during both normal operations and emergency situations.