Philippine Shipping Updates – Manning Industry [download]

By:  Ruben Del Rosario, President, Del Rosario Pandiphil Inc., October 13, 2008

This issue contains the following:
POEA declares Gulf of Aden high risk zone; provides double pay and double compensation to Filipino seafarers
Miscellaneous notes - Speakers for officers’ conferences
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POEA declares Gulf of Aden high risk zone; provides double pay and double compensation to Filipino seafarers

The POEA, noting the spate of piracy incidents along the Gulf of Aden and the hostage-taking off the coast of Somalia and Yemen, has given additional benefits to Filipino seafarers sailing in the so-called “high risk” zone.  POEA Board Resolution No. 04, Series of 2008 dated 7 October 2008 provides as follows:

1.     Based on the documented locations of incidents of piracy, to declare as a “high risk” zone the following coordinates within the Gulf of Aden:


Latitude 12013’ North                 Longitude 43039’ East
Latitude 15022’ North                 Longitude 53010’ East

Latitude 11000’ North                Longitude 44005’ East
Latitude 14010’ North                Longitude 54000’ East

2.     To enjoin the Shipowners to implement precautionary measures on their vessels passing through the “high risk” zone in line with international advisories.

3.     That the seafarer, while sailing within the declared high-risk zone, shall receive double the amount of his basic wage, overtime pay, and leave pay.  On any death, injury or illness while sailing within the high risk zone, the seafarer shall also be entitled to a double amount of compensation and benefits.  The higher pay and higher death and disability compensation and benefits provided herein shall be limited to the duration of vessel’s transit through the “high risk zone” and in case of detention of the seafarer, the duration thereof.  The Master must immediately notify his Shipowner/Manning Agent and the crew on board the date and time of his vessel’s entry and exit from the coverage of the “high risk” zone as defined herein.

4.    The Master shall inform the seafarer of the voyage passing through the high risk area as soon as the voyage schedule is known.

The provisions herein provided shall apply to all Filipino seafarers effective 07 October 2008.


It is important to note the following:  

All precautionary measures taken by the vessel in connection with the passage in the “high risk” zone must be documented.  

In view of the double pay, it is important to record the exact date and time of entry and exit in the “high risk” zone and to advise the shipowner, manning agent and crew of said entry and exit.  

All incidents of illness, injury or death must be properly documented during transit in the “high risk” zone.  

The Filipino crew must be informed of any voyage passing through the “high risk” area immediately after the voyage schedule is known.

Addendum in the POEA contract may be needed to ensure seafarer’s conformity to sailing in the high risk area.

Philippine law recognizes entries in the log book and it is thus important that the documentation be recorded in the log book.

In case of conflict between this POEA resolution and other similar resolutions, Philippine law applies the one more favourable to the Filipino seafarer.

Miscellaneous Notes

Del Rosario lawyers are available as speakers in officers’ conferences.  Through the years, Del Rosario lawyers have been asked to speak in several officers conferences on various topics.  Please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if in need of speakers on any maritime topic.

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