Philippines wants 150,000 more Filipino seafarers working on ships around the world by 2030The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers wants Filipinos to make up 35% of the world's seafarers by 2030, up from 28% now. It sees new jobs on ships with new fuels and more digital systems.
India starts new online licence system for crewing agencies and plans digital job contracts from 1 NovemberIndia's maritime administration has started an upgraded online system for licensed crewing agencies. It plans online joining consent and digital employment agreements from 1 November 2026. Agencies that send technicians or security guards to foreign ships now need a full licence.
India bans its seafarers from small-boat jobs in Sarawak, Malaysia, after repeated deathsIndia's maritime authority told licensed agencies not to send Indian seafarers to ships that work only in Sarawak's rivers, coast and ports. It says young Indian seafarers died in accidents in Malaysia year after year. A second rule: agencies must check insurance before seafarers join foreign ships.
UK keeps its Seafarer Deck Rating apprenticeship after plan to scrap itSkills England has dropped a proposal to withdraw the Seafarer (Deck Rating) apprenticeship, a key UK training route for new deck ratings. Other maritime apprenticeships, including Officer of the Watch and Marine Pilot, are also staying.