THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is advising employers of Filipino seafarers to observe payment of appropriate wages and benefits if their operations involve areas that are classified as “war-like” and “high risk” waters. Based on Advisory No. 23-2023, the DMW provided an updated list of war-like and high risk areas as agreed on by the joint negotiating group of employers and the International Transport Workers’ Federation as the amended International Bargaining Forum List of Warlike and High-Risk Areas. “The adoption of basic wages based on International Labor Organization Maritime Labor Convention 2006 guidelines in the computation of applicable benefits for seafarers, whose vessels are transiting through areas with warlike and high-risk designations, shall remain,” said DMW officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac. Four areas are considered as “warlike operations areas,” namely 12 nautical miles off the mainland Yemeni Coast, including all parts, excluding Maritime Security Transit Corridor in the Red Sea; Sea of Azov and the Straits of Kerch, north of latitude 45° 03’ 00’N; Northern Black Sea Region; and all ports in Ukraine. Seafarers to be deployed in those areas are entitled to a bonus equal to basic wage payable for five days minimum plus per day if longer; double compensation for death and disability; and right to refuse sailing, with repatriation at company’s cost and compensation equal to two month’s basic wage.

LINK: https://seafarertimes.com/2020-21/node/8673