MARINO PH
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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.
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.
Five Dead, 41 Missing After Fire Engulfs Indonesian Passenger Ferry
At least five people have been confirmed dead and 41 others remain missing after a fire broke out aboard the Indonesian passenger ferry Mutiara Sentosa 2 while sailing from Surabaya, East Java, to Makassar, South Sulawesi, on 2 August 2026. The incident occurred off the coast of Madura Island, prompting Indonesian authorities to launch an extensive search and rescue operation. The ferry was carrying a total of 271 people, consisting of 232 passengers and 39 crew members, when the fire erupted during the voyage. Thick smoke and flames quickly spread across the vessel, forcing many passengers to wear life jackets and jump into the sea in an effort to escape. Emergency services received the distress alert shortly after the fire was reported.
Italian Frigate Escorts Merchant Vessel Safely Through Red Sea Under EU Security Mission
A merchant vessel successfully completed its transit through the Red Sea under the close protection of the Italian Navy frigate ITS Bergamini, operating as part of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ASPIDES. The escort mission was carried out to help ensure the safe passage of commercial shipping through one of the world's busiest and most strategically significant maritime corridors. According to EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, the merchant vessel safely navigated the area while under the frigate's protection. The mission forms part of the European Union's defensive maritime security operation, which was established to safeguard freedom of navigation and protect merchant shipping from security threats in the Red Sea and nearby waters. Authorities did not identify the escorted vessel or disclose operational details for security reasons
Op-Ed: Sanctions Drive Growth of a Parallel Shipping Economy
International sanctions imposed in response to the Russia–Ukraine conflict have significantly reshaped the global tanker industry, contributing to the emergence of two distinct shipping markets, according to a recent industry analysis. The report states that the regulated mainstream market continues to operate under international sanctions and compliance requirements, while a separate network of vessels has expanded to transport sanctioned oil and other restricted cargoes outside traditional commercial channels. The analysis explains that sanctions, price caps, and trade restrictions have influenced vessel ownership, chartering patterns, and asset values. Older tankers that were once considered less commercially attractive have reportedly gained value as demand increased among operators involved in transporting sanctioned cargoes. At the same time, mainstream shipping companies have generally maintained compliance with international regulations to avoid legal and financial risks. According to the report, the growth of this parallel shipping market has also raised concerns over maritime safety and environmental protection. Some vessels operating outside conventional regulatory frameworks may have limited access to recognized insurance, classification services, or established maintenance programs. Industry observers note that these conditions could increase operational risks, particularly during ship-to-ship transfers and long-distance voyages.
EU Forces Inspect Sanctioned Oil Tanker in Mediterranea
An Italian-led European Union (EU) naval mission boarded the oil tanke Toa Payoh in the Mediterranean Sea on August 2. The tanker, which is under EU sanctions, was inspected west of the Italian island of Pantelleria while traveling from Benin to Istanbul. The operation was part of the EU's efforts to check ships suspected of violating oil sanctions against Russia. According to Italy's Defence Ministry, authorities inspected the vessel to confirm if it was legally allowed to use the Cameroon flag and whether its registration documents were valid. The tanker had changed its registry to Cameroon just one week before the inspection. Officials said the ship was not detained because the EU mission does not have the authority to seize vessels during these checks.
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.
Mariana Academy of Maritime Studies Inc. (MAMSI) and 2GO continue to strengthen their partnership through the development of a Cadetship Program aimed at providing aspiring Filipino seafarers with quality shipboard training and career opportunities. As part of this initiative, representatives from both organizations conducted an ocular visit aboard a 2GO vessel to further discuss and assess the proposed training program.
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.
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.
