Marina extends validity of seafarer’s documents amid Middle East conflict
The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has extended for three months the validity of expiring documents of Filipino seafarers on board vessels affected by the war in the Middle East.
In line with its Advisory No. 2026-21, dated April 23 but made public on Saturday, Marina said the extension covers only seafarers who are still aboard their vessels and whose disembarkation has been delayed by the conflict.
“In view of these extraordinary circumstances, and to alleviate the plight of the Filipino seafarers unable to disembark as scheduled, all holders of Seafarer’s Record Books (SRBs), Seafarer’s Identification and Record Books (SIRBs), and Seafarer’s Identity Documents (SIDs) that have expired OR will expire by 30 June 2026 while onboard ships operating in or affected by the Middle East crisis will be granted an extension of three months from the expiration date of their respective documents without the need to file for an application at the Marina,” the agency said.
Marina said all shipping companies, shipowners and licensed manning agencies must report all covered cases to Marina through mds@marina.gov.ph, while authorized company representatives or vessel masters are required to sign all submissions and follow the prescribed format under Annex 1 of Marina Advisory No. 2026-21.
Easing the red tape
“Marina moves to ease the burden on seafarers who continue to serve at sea under difficult and uncertain conditions, ensuring that documentary requirements do not add pressure to those already delayed onboard due to circumstances beyond their control,” the agency said in a separate statement.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) earlier reported that government-funded repatriations have reached 6,785, of which 5,409 are overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and 1,376 are dependents, as of April 23.
“A total of 7,408 OFWs and their dependents have returned to the country from March 5, 2026, to April 23, 2026, due to the ongoing unrest in the Middle East. Of this number, 6,785 underwent government-funded repatriation, including 5,409 OFWs and 1,376 dependents,” the DMW statement said in Filipino.
The DMW said the repatriated Filipinos were provided financial assistance, transportation, temporary shelter and reintegration support under the National Reintegration Network.
