DMW Advisories on Escalation of Tensions in the Middle East and Seafarer Safety Home / News / Crisis news / Escalation of Tensions in the Middle East and Implications on Seafarer Safety   Crisis news, Member Alert Escalation of Tensions in the Middle East and Implications on Seafarer Safety   17 March, 2026 DMW Advisories on Escalation of Tensions in the Middle East and Seafarer Safety 12 March 2026 We would like to notify our members employing Filipino seafarers on board their vessels about the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Advisories No. 8 and No. 9, issued in March 2026, regarding the escalation of tensions in the Middle East and its implications for Filipino seafarers, particularly for vessels operating in or transiting the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman. Please find below an explanatory update from our correspondents in Manila, Del Rosario, on the contents of these advisories. For further information on manning agents’ and shipowners’ obligations in warlike and high-risk areas, please refer to our previous Member Alert: “ DMW Urges Shipowners, Manning Agencies to Steer Clear of ‘High-Risk’ Areas ” dated 16 July 2025. Overview The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has issued Advisories, in response to the escalation of tensions in the Middle East following reported large‑scale military actions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Recent developments have resulted in heightened hostilities, including missile and drone attacks affecting strategic locations in the Gulf region, with reported civilian casualties and damage to critical infrastructure. These conditions pose elevated security, safety, and welfare risks to Filipino seafarers, both onboard vessels and during deployment, repatriation, and crew change operations.  In light of this, the DMW has updated the designation of the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman into Warlike Operations Areas. The advisory applies to all Licensed Manning A