PHILIPPINES: Filipino seafarers and their families are being reminded that they can contact the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) directly when they face emergencies, welfare concerns, or problems involving maritime routes.
The reminder comes as Filipino crews continue to operate near areas affected by maritime security risks, including the Black Sea, Gulf of Aden, Strait of Hormuz, and other designated high-risk zones.
OWWA said seafarers do not need to wait for a situation to become serious before asking for help.
Seafarers and Families Can Contact OWWA Directly
Filipino seafarers may contact OWWA about welfare concerns, emergencies, problems involving their voyage or route, and situations that require assistance while they are onboard a vessel or overseas.
Families in the Philippines may also contact OWWA if they are worried about a seafarer’s condition or need help getting information.
The agency’s main 24/7 hotline is 1348, which is connected to its Operations Center.
OWWA’s official website confirms that Hotline 1348 is available around the clock.
Based on OWWA’s latest advisory, seafarers and their families may also use:
Viber and WhatsApp: +63 927 824 5975
Email: owwacares@owwa.gov.ph
When asking for help, families should prepare available details such as the seafarer’s name, vessel name, current location, manning agency, and a short explanation of the concern.
Do Not Post Personal Documents Online
OWWA also warned families against posting sensitive information in public comments.
This includes passports, Seafarer’s Record Books, employment contracts, phone numbers, and other personal documents.
Providing these details directly through official assistance channels helps protect the seafarer from identity theft, scams, and other privacy risks.
Seafarers Have Rights in High-Risk Areas
Concerns involving deployment, maritime safety, or a seafarer’s right to refuse sailing may be coordinated with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
DMW guidelines require manning agencies and shipowners to respect the right of Filipino seafarers to refuse sailing in designated warlike or high-risk areas under applicable rules.
The department has also advised shipowners to avoid routes through the Strait of Hormuz and other high-risk maritime areas when possible and to respect requests for rerouting or refusal to sail.
The DMW’s updated high-risk listings have included areas such as parts of the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, Black Sea, and other maritime zones where additional protections may apply.
For families worried about a loved one at sea, OWWA’s message is clear: contact the agency early rather than waiting for the situation to worsen.
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