The UK Club is pleased to share a guide outlining the potential dangers related to Nickel ore cargo, locations of loading areas, the importance of sampling and certification and additional local guidance

The Philippines' Supreme Court decides that a seafarer's heirs are entitled to death benefits

The Supreme Court considers the POEA-SEC and rules that a seafarer's heirs are entitled to death benefits for work related illness even if death occurs after the term of his employment contract

Every year, the UK P&I Club supports several charities, usually with a maritime connection. In 2017/18, the Club is working with four charities, The Mission to Seafarers, the Sailors' Society, Mercy Ships and the International Maritime Rescue Federation.

The UK Club has received advice from our Correspondents in the Philippines on respecting the parameters of the Employment Contract (otherwise know as the 120/240 Day Issue).

The UK P&I Club recently hosted a People Claims Seminar, which was well attended by Club Members.

A crew member recently suffered a serious head injury after a slip and fall down some stairs onboard. This resulted in him being in Intensive Care for a month followed by surgery. After his medical repatriation back to the Philippines, he required further surgery and a rigorous plan of physiotherapy, occupational therapy and rehabilitation.

Shipowners employing Filipino crew should anticipate being requested to provide copies of the MLC Certificates evidencing compliance with the Financial Security requirements

Earlier this year the Club supported the production of the Human Rights at Sea mental health welfare leaflet "Remaining Resilient after Traumatic Events"

The UK Club has received the attached update from Pandiman Philippines Inc. advising that martial law has been declared in Mindanao.

The Club has been made aware of shipowners being issued charges from the local government of Zambales for the transit of their vessels through coastal waters in recent weeks.

It has been announced this week that as of May 2017 Philippines, Malaysia & Indonesia will launch joint piracy patrols in waters of the Sulu Sea.

Around a third of the world's 1.2 million seafarers are Filipinos. They contribute around US$6 billion a year to the Philippine economy. Developments in the country's employment laws are therefore of key importance to shipowners.

We were fortunate to have three Filipino PEME clinics visit the Crew Health team at the Club office in London on Monday.

Around a third of the world's 1.2 million seafarers are Filipinos. They contribute around US$6 billion a year to the Philippine economy. Developments in the country's employment laws are therefore of key importance to shipowners.