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Commercial Ships to stay away from Ukraine’s EEZ

All merchant ships are advised to stay away from Ukraine’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Baltic Sea, this is based on the advice of Maritime Security Intelligence Chief Dryad Global.

According to Dryad Global, all commercial operators has to avoid any transit or operations within the EEZ of Ukraine and Russia south of the Crimean Peninsula in the Black Sea.

On the Feb 28 global update on Maritime Security Threat Assessment(MSTA), the Russian Forces blocked inward access to the Sea of Azo as part of the military operation.

Since the Ukraine-Russia conflict escalated, there are a total of 3 merchant vessels were hit by missiles and a total of 3 crew members were injured.

source: https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/03/02/business/maritime/commercial-ships-told-to-avoid-ukraines-eez/1834773

For all Filipino Seafarers getting their Seaman’s book, there is a Good News!

According to DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, if you are getting your seaman’s book for the first time, it will be free of charge! This was discussed during the late Monday night briefing of President Rodrigo Duterte.

According to Sec. Tugade the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has approved their proposal to give the seaman’s book to first-timer free of charge.

This is a big help for those who are starting their career as a seafarer.

 “Kanina lang ho nangyari, natapos ‘yong meeting ng Marina board, pina-approve ho namin na tulong sa ating mga seafarers at mga seamen sa pandemya ngayon, ‘yong mga first-time na seamen na kukuha ng seamen’s book, ang halaga nito, P1,000 to P1,800, depende kung saan mo kukunin, libre na ho ‘yon dito sa termino niyo Mr. President,” Tugade said.

“Parang tulong sa mga seamen ‘pag kinuha na nila ‘yong seamen’s certificate for the first time, libre na ho ‘yon,” he added.

For those renewing their seaman’s book, Sec. Tugade said that you can avail  a 50% discount until December 2022.

 “Ang tanong, papaano naman ‘yong nag-renew?  Inapprove din ho ng Marina board, kanina ho mga alas singko, ano ‘yong inapprove? Fifty percent discount until December of this year, ito ho ‘yong tulong natin sa seafarers,” he added.


Source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1544671/first-time-seafarers-can-get-seamans-book-for-free-tugade-says#ixzz7IwoDHYCD

DFA Consular Offices and Temporary Off-Site Passport Services resumes operation.

According to Department of Foreign Affairs(DFA), several Consular Offices and Temporary Off-Site Passport Services (TOPS) will resume its operation on 21 and 26 January 2022.

Below are the list of COs and TOPS that will resume operations on 21 January 2022:

DFA Office of Consular Affairs in Aseana Business Park, Paranaque City

CO NCR Central

CO NCR East

CO NCR North

CO NCR Northeast

CO NCR South

CO NCR West

CO Antipolo

CO Angeles

CO Baguio

CO Dasmarinas

CO Iloilo

CO Lucena

CO Malolos

CO San Pablo

TOPS Newport Mall

TOPS Robinsons Las Pinas

TOPS Robinsons Novaliches

TOPS Robinsons Place Magnolia

TOPS Robinsons San Pedro Laguna

TOPS SM Aura

TOPS SM Manila

TOPS SM Mall of Asia

TOPS SM North Edsa

List of COs that will resume operations on 24 January 2022

CO Dumaguete

CO Legazpi

CO Puerto Princesa

CO Tacloban

CO Tagum

List of COs that will resume operations on 26 January 2022

CO Cebu

Source: https://dfa.gov.ph/dfa-news/statements-and-advisoriesupdate/30051-public-advisory-updates-on-the-temporary-closure-of-several-consular-offices

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No Vaccination, No Ride/No Entry Policy – 19 January 2022

Last 11 January 2022, The Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade ordered the implementation of No Vaccination, No Ride/No Entry Policy in the National Capital Region (NCR). The Enforcement is effective while a COVID-19 Alert Level 3 level or higher remains in the NCR as determined by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF).

“All concerned attached agencies and sectoral offices of DOTr are directed to ensure that operators of public transportation shall allow access or issue tickets only to ‘fully vaccinated persons’ as evidenced by a physical or digital copies of an LGU (local government unit)-issued vaccine card, or any IATF-prescribed document, with a valid government issued ID with picture and address,” the DOTr department order read.

How do we determine if a person is fully vaccinated?

According to the Department Order, a person is considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two(2) weeks after receiving their second dose for a 2-dose vaccination set, such as with the Pfizer, Moderna, AztraZeneca, Sinovac, and other brands of vaccines that requires 2 doses. For a single-dose vaccine such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine, it is also two(2) weeks after they receive their vaccine.

Following are Exempted from the “no vaccination, no ride” policy : 

• Persons with medical conditions that prevent their full COVID-19 vaccination as shown by a duly-signed medical certificate with the name and contact details of their doctor

• Persons who will buy essential goods and services, such as but not limited to food, water, medicine, medical devices, public utilities, energy, work, and medical and dental necessities, as shown by a duly issued barangay health pass or other proof to justify travel. 

Under the Order, violations of the policy are considered violations of applicable general safety and health provisions under any concession or service agreements, authority or permits to operate of public transportation, and other similar instrument.  

Update on Certificate of Proficiency – August 26, 2021

Dear SEAFARERS…Good news for all who have COPs expiry such as BT, AFF, PSCRB, PFRB are NO LONGER REQUIRED to take REFRESHER provided you have 12 months experience in vessel within 5 years..(sea service) for further info please read the memo thanks and God bless😍🥰❤️