DMW-ADVISORY-23-2026 — TEMPORARY CREW CHANGE OF FILIPINO SEAFARERS ONBOARD VESSELS IN THE DESIGNATED WAR OPERATION AREA (WOA) AND HIGHRISK AREAS (HRA) IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Republic of the Philippines Bepartment of Aliarant Morkers

Blas F.Ople Building,Ortigas Avenue cor.EDSA,Mandaluyong City 1550

FATLEL ANNGOF Website: www.d gov. ohLEmail: 6oe wnacac W.gov.phHotlines87221152,87221155.88221159.87243665 BACONC PILIPINAS

ADVISORY NO._ 2 3

Series of 2026

TEMPORARY CREW CHANGE OF FILIPINO SEAFARERS ONBOARD VESSELS IN THE DESIGNATED WAR OPERATION AREA (WOA)AND HIGHRISK AREAS (HRA) IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Iran and the United States of America, as well as the renewed assurances by the Iranian Government to the Philippines that Philippine-flagged vessels,energy sources and all Filipino seafarers would be allowed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz In view of the existing ceasefire agreement between the Islamic Republic of

the crew change of Filipino seafarers onboard vessels in the designated war operation area (WOA) and high-risk areas (HRA), particularly in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, has been allowed on a temporary, conditional and limited basis.

conditions for the proper conduct of crew change of Filipino seafarers onboard vessels In order to clarify the provisions of Advisory 9, series of 2026, the foregoing

in the designated war operation areas (WOAs) and high-risk areas (HRAs), particularly in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, shall be implemented in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations:

A. CONTINUED OBSERVANCE OF DMWISSUANCES

1) All existing and applicable DMW advisories and directives concerning WOAs and HRAs in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and other warlike, high-risk and extended risk areas remain in full force

and effect.

2) The seafarer's right to refuse sailing in WOAs and/or HRAs remain in full force and effect, conditioned on the safe, convenient, appropriate and

of the seafarer as the guidepost. expeditious execution of the same with the protection, safety and welfare

B. LIMITED CREW CHANGE OPERATIONS

1) Coverage:

Vessels that are within the designated WOAs and/or HRAs within the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, including offshore structures and oil rigs, that have not been attacked and remain seaworthy based on international standards may conduct temporary and limited crew change

convenient, appropriate and expeditious execution of the same with the The conduct of the crew change shall be conditioned on the safe

DEPARTMENT OF MIGRANT WORKI Date: May 04,2026 RECEIVED By: _RICHIE M. GUEVARRA General Services Division Administrative Service Time: 09:29 A.M rotection, safety and welfare of the seafarer as the primordial Onsideration. By: DMW General Services Division on _May 04, 2026 CONTROLLED AND DISSEMINATED

2) Safe Repatriation and Embarkation

seafarers are guaranteed the right to safe passage and secure travel, including safe embarkation, disembarkation, transit, and repatriation. Pursuant to Republic Act No. 12021, or.the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, Filipino

prepared by the principal/shipowner/LMAs must ensure the safety, Accordingly, all repatriation and deployment travel arrangements security, and welfare of the seafarer at all stages of the journey.

3) Reports:

Principals/shipowners/LMAs shall conduct a risk assessment and submit the corresponding risk assessment report to the DMW prior to the intended crew change.

The report shall include, inter alia, the following:

e) escort/security and transportation arrangements of the disembarking g) the schedule of the crew change including the travel itinerary of the b) name of the vessel and its IMO number: c) identification of the port from which embarkation/disembarkation d) the identified port's accessibility and security status; a) names of the Filipino crew to embark and disembark from the vessel; the status of the airports and airspace of the intended flight; disembarking and replacement Filipino crew from the point of hire to shall be conducted; and replacement Filipino crew to and from the ports and airports;

arrival at the port of embarkation.

The principals/shipowners/LMAs shall likewise provide reports to the

onboard the assigned vessel, respectively. DMW upon safe arrival of the disembarking Filipino crew at the point of hire as well as upon embarkation of the replacement Filipino crew

If the vessel where the replacement crew embarked remains within the the Strait of Hormuz, the principal/shipowners/LMAs shall continue to monitor the condition of the Filipino seafarers onboard and provide designated WOAs and/or HRAs, particularly within the Persian Gulf and

periodic reports on the same;

4) Declaration of Acknowledgment of Risk and Waiver of the Right to Refuse Sailing:

replacement crew. Replacement crew shall also be briefed on the Replacement crew shall be fully informed of the risks involved in joining the vessel at conflict zones. LMAs and principals/shipowners shall ensure that matters relative to the Middle East conflict and applicable DMW issuances have been explained to and understood by the

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By: DMW General Services Division on May 04, 2026

security protocols prevailing onboard the affected vessel prior to their deployment.

As proof of informed consent, replacement crew, prior to embarkation shall execute a Notarized Declaration of Acknowledgment of Risk and

Warlike Operations Areas (WOA) I High-Risk Areas (HRA); b) provided under applicable laws and regulations; and c) waives or precludes the exercise his/her right to refuse sailing and voluntarily been fully informed of and understands the risks of deployment in accepts deployment under the disclosed conditions. Waiver of the Right to Refuse Sailing, stating that the seafarer: a) has acknowledges his/her right to refuse sailing, without prejudice, as

The declaration shall be executed freely and voluntarily, and shall be without prejudice to the exercise by the seafarer of applicable rights under Philippine law, DMW rules and regulations, and applicable international conventions.

5) Limited Movement:

While the designation of the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman as a WOA and/or HRA remain, the movement of seafarers shall be limited to controlled and secured transit between the vessel designated ports, airports, and/or temporary accommodations, and shall not include non-essential travel. Any material deviation from planned movement arrangements (e.g., extended stay, rerouting, or transfer to another location) shall be documented and reported to the DMW, with justification based on safety, security, or operational necessity.

The principal/shipowner/LMA shall, at all times, ensure the safety of all Filipino crew during the conduct of crew change and while onboard.

6) Employment Assistance

In view of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and its impact on maritime deployment, LMAs are enjoined to endeavor to provide alternative employment opportunities to Filipino seafarers who may be displaced or unemployed as a result thereof.

To this end, concerned parties are urged to prioritize the redeployment of affected seafarers, facilitate transfers to other principals where

employment, in keeping with their obligation to protect and promote the welfare of Filipino seafarers. feasible, and extend necessary assistance to support their prompt re-

C. SUSPENSION OF CREW CHANGE

In the event that hostilities resume or escalate in areas affecting crew change operations, all temporary crew change activities shall be immediately suspended. Such suspension shall remain in effect until a

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By: DMW Ge neral Services Division on _May 04, 2026

formal and verifiable ceasefire has been declared and duly assessed by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), in coordination with relevant government agencies and international counterparts, as stable and sufficient to ensure the safety and security of,seafarers.

During the period of suspension, no deployment, repatriation, or transit of seafarers under temporary crew change arrangements shall be authorized, except in highly exceptional circumstances as may be determined by the DMW, subject to strict risk assessment and the adoption of enhanced safety measures.

conditions, advisories from competent authorities, and the availability of safe and secure transit routes and facilities. All concerned licensed comprehensive evaluation by the DMW, taking into account security The resumption of temporary crew change operations shall be subject to a

manning agencies and stakeholders shall strictly comply with such directives to ensure the protection and welfare of Overseas Filipino

affected areas. Workers, particularly seafarers operating in or transiting through conflict-

D.MONITORING AND REPORTING

LMAs, principals, and shipowners shall immediately report any incident, Bureau delay, refusal to sail, stranding, or security-related concerns involving Filipino seafarers through the OFW Welfare Monitoring System (OWMS) and DMW-OASSOC, with copies furnished to the Sea-Based Accreditation (SBAB) through [email protected] and [email protected]

Filipino seafarers' safety is secured. Periodic updates must be submitted until the situation is resolved or the

Nothing herein shall be interpreted as unilaterally lifting the suspension of crew change operations as directed under Advisory No. 09, s. 2026. The conduct of crew change shall be temporary and is contingent upon the compliance with the conditions set forth herein and the security situation in the designated WOAs and HRAs in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.

prohibit any crew change in the covered areas based on the evolving circumstances and the submissions of LMAs, principals/shipowners, and seafarers. The foregoing is without prejudice to the authority of the DMW to allow, limit or

For strict compliance.

HANS LEO J.CACDAC

Secretary

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By: DMW General Services Division on _ May 04, 2026