U.S. Forces Destroy Five Iranian Crude Oil Tankers After Missile Attacks, CENTCOM Says

U.S. forces destroyed five Iranian crude oil tankers on September 8 after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) allegedly targeted a U.S. Navy warship with ballistic missiles twice over the previous two days, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). CENTCOM identified the vessels as M/T Kaviz, M/T Charminar, M/T Horizon 1 and M/T Riesco, which were targeted in the Gulf of Oman, and M/T Derya, which was struck near Iran’s Kharg Island. U.S. forces instructed the crews to abandon the tankers before the strikes, after which the vessels were rendered inoperable, CENTCOM said.

Suez Canal Traffic Recovery Gains Momentum as Hormuz Crisis Reroutes Ships

Traffic through the Suez Canal is showing signs of recovery as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz encourage some shipping activity to shift toward alternative routes. Egyptian data showed that 1,340 vessels transited the canal in July 2026, 27% more than the same month a year earlier and up from 1,208 vessels in June. Oil tankers accounted for 526 of the July transits. The increase follows a period of reduced Suez Canal traffic caused by security concerns in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. Many shipping operators have continued to avoid the Red Sea and instead route vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, adding considerable distance and sailing time to voyages between Asia and Europe. The recent disruption around the Strait of Hormuz has added another factor influencing route decisions.

North Korea Commissions Second 5,000-Ton Destroyer as Navy Modernization Continues

North Korea has commissioned the Kang Kon, its second 5,000-ton Choe Hyon-class guided-missile destroyer, as Pyongyang continues efforts to expand and modernize its naval forces. The commissioning ceremony was held at Wonsan on September 6 and was attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to state media. The Kang Kon is the second vessel of the class to enter service after the Choe Hyon, which was commissioned in June. The approximately 145-meter warships are considered the largest and most advanced surface combatants operated by the North Korean Navy. The Kang Kon has been assigned to the East Sea Fleet, responsible for operations in waters east of the Korean Peninsula.

U.S. Navy Tests Robotic System to Refuel Unmanned Vessels at Sea

The U.S. Navy has successfully demonstrated a robotic system designed to refuel unmanned surface vessels (USVs) while operating at sea, as part of efforts to keep autonomous vessels on station for longer periods without returning to port. According to the U.S. Navy, the August 11 demonstration was conducted off Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia. A T38 unmanned surface vessel repeatedly approached a towable capture and connection device, which allowed the vessel to be captured, refueled and released while at sea.

3rd Annual APO MARINO AA Job Fair Opens in Manila for Filipino Seafarers

The ,3rd Annual APO MARINO AA Job Fair is being held today, September 2, 2026, at 1108 A. Mabini St., Ermita, Manila, formerly the OWWA Seafarer Hub, giving Filipino seafarers direct access to employment opportunities in the maritime industry.

NSD Committee Holds Successful Meeting Ahead of 2026 National Seafarers’ Day, National Maritime Week

The National Seafarers’ Day (NSD) Committee successfully held a preparatory meeting on Tuesday, September 1, at the Intership Crew Philippines, Inc. office at PITX in Parañaque City, as preparations continue for the 31st National Seafarers’ Day and 27th National Maritime Week this September 2026.

MARINA Updates Seafarers on SID/SRB System Recovery Following Cybersecurity Incident

MANILA — The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), led by Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan, provided updates during its August 31, 2026 press conference on the disruption affecting the Seafarer’s Identity Document (SID) and Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB) processing and issuance system. MARINA confirmed that the disruption was linked to a cybersecurity incident that prompted the agency to take the affected system offline while technical and security assessments were conducted.

Bayanihan Para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa Brings Jobs and Reintegration Support to Returning OFWs

MANILA, Philippines — Returning overseas Filipino workers and jobseekers gathered for the “Bayanihan Para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa: A National Reintegration Network and Job Fair” on August 26, 2026, at the San Andres Sports Complex in Malate, Manila. The event provided employment opportunities and reintegration support for Filipino migrant workers returning to the country.

Types of Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers are designed for different classes of fire, making proper selection essential for onboard safety. Common types include CO₂, dry powder, water, wet chemical, and foam extinguishers. Seafarers must know their correct applications, locations, and operating procedures to respond quickly and safely during a fire emergency at sea.

Common Types of Ropes

Ropes are essential equipment in shipboard operations, used for mooring, towing, lifting, rigging, cargo handling, and other deck activities. Different types of rope have specific properties, strengths, and limitations. Understanding the characteristics and proper applications of nylon, polyester, polypropylene, HMPE, wire rope, and Manila rope helps seafarers select the right rope for each operation and work safely onboard.

Recovery Position

The recovery position is a basic first-aid technique used for an unconscious casualty who is breathing normally. It helps keep the airway open and allows fluids such as saliva or vomit to drain from the mouth, reducing the risk of airway obstruction. Before placing someone in the recovery position, the rescuer should check responsiveness, airway, and breathing and consider possible injuries.

Solar System

Understanding the solar system remains important in maritime navigation, especially in celestial navigation. Mariners use the Sun, Moon, selected planets, and stars as reference points to determine a vessel’s position when navigating at sea. Knowledge of celestial bodies also helps navigators understand time, direction, seasonal changes, and astronomical observations used with nautical almanacs and navigation instruments. Even with modern GPS, celestial navigation remains a valuable backup skill for seafarers.