At Least 2 Filipino Seafarers Dead After Cargo Vessel MV DEVON BAY Sinks Near Scarborough Shoal

MANILA, Philippines — At least two Filipino seafarers have died following the capsizing of the Singapore-flagged bulk carrier MV Devon Bay in the South China Sea, the Chinese embassy in Manila confirmed on Friday, January 23. The vessel, which was carrying ore cargos , reportedly capsized about 55 nautical miles off Scarborough Shoal, a China-controlled maritime feature also claimed by the Philippines. According to Chinese authorities, 17 of the 21 all-Filipino crew members were rescued by responding vessels from the Chinese Coast Guard after a distress report was received at around 1:30 a.m. One of the rescued seafarers remains under emergency medical treatment, while 14 others are in stable condition.

Major Container Fire Breaks Out at Karachi Port, Causing Extensive Cargo Damage

A large fire erupted at the Karachi Port on Friday, sweeping through stacked shipping containers at one of the port’s active terminals and causing significant damage to cargo while temporarily disrupting operations. The blaze reportedly started in the container storage area near the international container terminal and rapidly spread to adjacent units due to the close stacking of containers. Thick plumes of smoke were visible across the port area as emergency responders raced to contain the situation.

Ukraine Strikes Russian Black Sea Oil & Gas Terminal with Drones

Ukrainian forces have carried out a drone attack on a strategically important Russian oil and gas terminal on the Black Sea, causing significant damage to fuel storage and port infrastructure. The incident marks another escalation in Kyiv’s campaign targeting Russia’s energy and logistics assets supporting its military operations. According to Russian regional authorities, multiple unmanned aerial vehicles struck the terminal during the early hours, triggering fires at fuel storage facilities. Emergency services were deployed to contain the blaze, and operations at the terminal were temporarily disrupted. Officials described the incident as a large-scale aerial attack on critical infrastructure. Video footage released by Ukrainian sources appears to show drones approaching the facility before explosions ignite large fires, suggesting direct hits on storage tanks or associated infrastructure. While Russian officials acknowledged damage, the full extent of operational impact has not been independently verified. The targeted terminal plays a vital role in handling crude oil, refined petroleum products, and gas shipments through the Black Sea, making it a key node in Russia’s energy export network. Disruptions at the facility could affect regional fuel logistics and export capacity. The strike follows a series of Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, including refineries, pipelines, and port facilities, as Ukraine seeks to reduce Russia’s ability to finance and sustain its military campaign. The incident underscores growing vulnerabilities in critical maritime and energy assets amid the ongoing conflict.

Maritime Piracy Escalates in 2025; Singapore Straits Declared Most Dangerous Waters

Maritime Piracy Escalates in 2025; Singapore Straits Declared Most Dangerous Waters A new maritime security report for 2025 has revealed a notable increase in piracy and armed robbery incidents worldwide, with the Singapore Straits emerging as the most hazardous shipping corridor. According to the International Chamber of Commerce’s International Maritime Bureau (IMB), reported cases rose to 137 incidents, up from 116 in 2024, marking a continued upward trend in maritime crime. This spike has raised significant concerns among shipping operators and coastal authorities due to the region’s high traffic and strategic importance. The Singapore Straits accounted for the majority of the global cases, registering 80 incidents, which represent approximately 58% of all reported piracy events in 2025. This surge is particularly alarming as the waters are a critical transit route for global trade, linking major shipping lanes between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The high concentration of attacks in this area has prompted calls for stronger security coordination among regional maritime agencies. While many incidents involved low-level theft and opportunistic boardings, the IMB report indicates an increase in the use of weapons and aggressive tactics. Several cases involved armed perpetrators using knives and firearms, escalating the threat level to crew safety. In some incidents, seafarers were threatened, injured, or temporarily detained, reflecting a shift towards more violent confrontations in previously considered safer waters.

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.

Marlow Navigation Unmasks Excellence at Year-End Masquerade Celebration

Marlow Navigation concluded the year with an elegant and memorable year-end celebration, “Unmask the Extraordinary: A Masquerade Party,” held at the Fiesta Pavilion, Manila Hotel. The event gathered distinguished guests from government, industry partners, stakeholders, employees, seafarers, awardees, and their families, with the presence of a company representative from Cyprus and the strong support of the Directors of Marlow, highlighting the organization’s global reach and unified leadership.

The Managers’ Club (TMC) Christmas Party and Year-End Celebration

The Managers’ Club Christmas Party and Year-End Celebration, held at the elegant Levatine & Mediterranean Hall of Grand Westside Manila Bay, gathered maritime executives, managers, and industry professionals for an evening dedicated to unity, collaboration, and festive appreciation. Organized through the strong support and initiative of the Managers’ Club founders, and made possible by the generous contributions of its sponsors, the event provided a warm and vibrant setting for the maritime community to close the year together.

Anti-Exposure Suit

An anti-exposure suit is a specialized protective garment used in the maritime environment to safeguard individuals from the dangers of cold water, extreme weather, and emergency situations at sea. It is typically bright orange for high visibility and made from waterproof, fire-resistant materials that help reduce heat loss and protect the wearer from harsh conditions while performing rescue or evacuation duties. Designed to cover almost the entire body except the head and hands, these suits often include gloves and a hood, and they must be capable of being put on quickly usually within 2 minutes without assistance. They provide inherent buoyancy and thermal protection so that if someone enters cold water, their body temperature drops slowly, helping prevent hypothermia. Anti-exposure suits are also built to allow the wearer to climb ladders, jump into water, swim short distances, don a lifejacket, and carry out evacuation or rescue duties effectively even under stress.

Methods of Heat Transfer

/ Methods of Heat Transfer Understanding how heat moves is essential in science, engineering, and everyday applications especially in marine and industrial environments. Heat transfer occurs in three fundamental ways: conduction, convection, and radiation. Each method explains how thermal energy flows from one object or area to another. / Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact. When two objects touch, heat moves from the hotter object to the cooler one as particles collide and transfer energy. This process is common in solids, such as metal cookware heating up when placed on a stove.

Types of Multimeter: Essential Electrical Testing Tools

/ Types of Multimeter: Essential Electrical Testing Tools Multimeters are fundamental instruments used to measure electrical values such as voltage, current, and resistance. In marine, industrial, and electrical applications, selecting the right type of multimeter is crucial for accuracy, safety, and efficiency. Below are the most common types of multimeters and their practical uses. / Digital Multimeter (DMM) Digital multimeters are widely used due to their accuracy and ease of reading. They display measurements on a digital screen and are ideal for troubleshooting electrical systems, testing circuits, and general maintenance work. Their portability and reliability make them a standard tool for technicians and marine engineers. / Auto-Ranging Multimeter An auto-ranging multimeter automatically selects the correct measurement range, reducing setup time and minimizing user error. This type is ideal for professionals who require quick, precise measurements, especially in complex electrical systems commonly found on ships and industrial facilities.

MULTIMETER

WHAT IS A MULTIMETER A multimeter is an essential diagnostic tool used in marine, electrical, and industrial environments to measure and troubleshoot electrical systems safely and accurately. This visual guide breaks down the key symbols, buttons, and sockets found on a digital multimeter, helping users quickly understand its functions and proper usage. The display section highlights important features such as AC/DC voltage readings, frequency, auto-ranging, hold, and min/max values, allowing precise monitoring of electrical parameters. Control buttons like Hold, Range, Function, and Brightness enhance ease of use, especially in low-light or onboard conditions.