OceanSphere NETWORK · Maritime Signal

Crew, manning and seafarer welfare

Manning is the constraint behind most operational problems. Certification for new fuels, shortage of senior engineers, contract lengths and access to shore leave all feed directly into safety statistics — and into whether a repair can be done by the crew or needs a service engineer flown in.

43 reports in this topic · updated continuously

Casualties & Safety

NBC News: Eight Marines Injured in Previously Undisclosed Iranian Attack in Hormuz

NBC News reports eight U.S. Marines were injured in an Iranian missile strike in the Strait of Hormuz, adding to the toll of U.S.

29 Sep 2026
Casualties & Safety

IMO chief urges states to curb attacks on merchant shipping

The International Maritime Organization’s secretary-general calls for an end to attacks on ships and seafarers amid escalating conflicts in key trade routes.

28 Sep 2026
Casualties & Safety

Somali Piracy Resurgence Threatens Shipping Routes

Somali piracy is on the rise again, threatening shipping routes through the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, as evidenced by recent hijackings and attempted attacks.

27 Sep 2026
Regulation & Class

IMO Focuses on Rule Implementation for Maritime Excellence

The International Maritime Organization highlights the importance of implementing maritime regulations to ensure safety and resilience in shipping.

27 Sep 2026
Casualties & Safety

Seafarer killed in attack on bulker in Strait of Hormuz

An Indian seafarer was among those killed when a bulk carrier struck by two torpedoes off Oman's Musandam peninsula.

25 Sep 2026
Casualties & Safety

JACUAR runs aground off Somali Coast; Secretary-General Urges Protection of Merchant

A 1998-built cargo vessel has grounded off Somalia, while the International Maritime Organization calls for restraint.

22 Sep 2026
Casualties & Safety

IMO Secretary General Urges End to Attacks on Merchant Ships and Seafarers

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has reported 80 verified attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in at least 22 seafarer deaths.

18 Sep 2026
Casualties & Safety

Two Bulk Carriers Collide Off Kandla; 21 Crew Evacuated

On September 11, 2026, two bulk carriers collided off the coast of Kandla, Gujarat, India, with the Indian Coast Guard evacuating 21 crew members.

14 Sep 2026
Casualties & Safety

Two seafarers killed in drone attacks on rescue ship in Black Sea

According to gCaptain, two seafarers were fatally injured during multiple drone assaults on a rescue vessel off Odesa.

13 Sep 2026
Casualties & Safety

Filipino Crew Refuses to Sail Through Strait of Hormuz After Attack

Filipino seafarers refuse to sail through the Strait of Hormuz following recent attacks, citing safety concerns. Two crew members died in the latest incident.

11 Sep 2026
Knowledge

Choosing and Managing Gangway Services for Ship Access

This guide explains what gangway services cover, when vessels need them, how to vet providers, the typical delivery process and three practical tips.

07 Sep 2026
Knowledge

Towage Services – How Operators Choose the Right Provider

A detailed guide for ship operators and technical superintendents on what towage covers, when it’s needed, how to vet providers, and three actionable tips.

07 Sep 2026
Knowledge

Riding squads on ships – what they do, when you need them and how to pick the right

A practical guide for ship operators and technical superintendents that explains riding‑squad services, triggers for mobilisation, selection criteria.

06 Sep 2026
Knowledge

Tank cleaning for tankers – what, when and how to choose the right contractor

This article explains exactly what a full‑scale tank‑cleaning service covers, when a vessel must book it, and which certifications and red flags matter.

06 Sep 2026
Knowledge

Fuel Treatment Services for Ships – What Operators Must Know

Find out when a vessel requires fuel treatment, what the service entails, how to vet providers and avoid costly pitfalls.

06 Sep 2026
Knowledge

Liferaft Servicing for Ship Operators: What to Expect and How to Choose

Find out which tasks a full liferaft service covers, when regulations force an inspection and how to pick a certified provider without hidden risks.

06 Sep 2026
Knowledge

Life‑saving appliance services – what ship operators must know before hiring

Discover when a vessel needs life‑saving appliance service, what the work covers, how to vet a provider and three actionable tips for smooth compliance.

06 Sep 2026
Knowledge

Choosing a Fire‑Fighting System Service Provider for Ships

Find out when fire‑fighting systems need service, what a comprehensive overhaul covers, and how to pick a certified provider that meets class rules.

06 Sep 2026
Casualties & Safety

Ten Sailors Missing After Turkish Cargo Ship and Tanker Collide in Marmara Sea

Search and rescue teams are looking for ten missing sailors after the cargo ship Tugberk Imamoglu sank following a collision with the tanker Alsu.

02 Sep 2026
Casualties & Safety

Stalemate in Iran‑Hormuz conflict leaves thousands of seafarers stranded

This article explains how a protracted deadlock in the Strait of Hormuz is trapping vessels, driving up tanker earnings and raising safety concerns for hundreds of crews.

30 Aug 2026
Casualties & Safety

Two crew killed as fire engulfs South Korean product tanker off Incheon

A blaze on a 7,000‑ton oil products carrier north of Jawol Island claimed two seafarers and prompted a multi‑agency response lasting over five hours.

29 Aug 2026
Casualties & Safety

Burning cargo ship sinks after suspected Black Sea attack

Romanian rescue services recover 12 seafarers from a cargo ship reportedly attacked in the country's EEZ.

29 Aug 2026
Casualties & Safety

6,000 Seafarers Still Stranded in Gulf Amid Iran Conflict

Six months into the U.S.-Iran conflict, 6,000 seafarers and 400 ships remain in limbo in the Persian Gulf, as the International Maritime Organization.

29 Aug 2026
Casualties & Safety

22 Seafarers Missing After Panama-Flagged Ocean Winner Sinks in Bay of Bengal

22 seafarers missing after bulk carrier Ocean Winner sinks in Bay of Bengal, prompting major search and rescue efforts.

29 Aug 2026
Casualties & Safety

IMO warns piracy surge leaves more than 90 seafarers captive

More than 90 seafarers are being held captive by pirates in the Gulf of Aden, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

25 Aug 2026
Regulation & Class

Global shipping industry reaffirms support for IMO Net Zero Framework

Leading maritime associations support IMO's Net Zero Framework, aiming for GHG emissions reduction by 2050.

25 Aug 2026
Offshore & Energy

DOF lands $15‑25m Caribbean contracts for two AHTS vessels

DOF Group has secured firm, multi‑million‑dollar work for a pair of anchor handling tug supply ships in the CARICOM area, with 150 days of deployment, ROV.

23 Aug 2026
Casualties & Safety

Russian captain recounts 24‑hour ordeal after Houthi strike on Greek‑owned bulker

The article details Alexei Galaktionov’s injuries and nine‑month detention in Yemen following a sustained Houthi attack, answering how the incident.

21 Aug 2026
Knowledge

Crew-Welfare Services – What They Cover and How to Pick a Provider

This article explains the full scope of crew‑welfare services, identifies the situations that trigger a need, and gives ship operators a step‑by‑step.

21 Aug 2026
Knowledge

Ship Management Explained – How to Choose the Right Provider

A practical guide for ship operators and technical superintendents that defines ship‑management services, signals when they’re required, and shows how.

21 Aug 2026
Knowledge

Choosing the Right Maritime Terminal Service – A Practical Guide for Ship Operators

This article explains what terminal services cover, when a vessel needs them, how to vet providers against class approvals and red‑flags, outlines.

21 Aug 2026
Knowledge

Choosing the Right Maritime Broker – A Decision Guide for Ship Operators

This article explains what broker services cover, when you need them, how to vet providers (certifications, class approvals, red flags) and offers.

21 Aug 2026
Knowledge

Choosing the Right Navigation Service Provider – A Practical Guide

This article explains what navigation services cover, when a ship really needs them, how to vet providers and avoid common pitfalls.

21 Aug 2026
Knowledge

Selecting a Maritime Cleaning Service: Scope, Timing and Provider Vetting

This article explains what professional ship‑cleaning covers, when it is required, how to assess certifications and class approvals, the typical.

19 Aug 2026
Knowledge

Pump Service for Ships – What to Expect and How to Choose a Provider

This article explains what a full‑scope pump service covers, the operational triggers that demand it, how to vet contractors by class approval.

17 Aug 2026
Casualties & Safety

Abandoned seafarers stranded in Las Palmas

Six seafarers aboard a Turkish-owned vessel remain unpaid and abandoned in the Port of Las Palmas after international maritime regulations were breached.

16 Aug 2026
Casualties & Safety

Two ADNOC Tankers Attacked in Strait of Hormuz

The UAE condemns "acts of piracy" as two more ADNOC ships are struck by drones, marking a troubling escalation in the Strait of Hormuz tensions.

14 Aug 2026
Offshore & Energy

Hard-line Iran dashes hopes of imminent Strait of Hormuz reopening

According to multiple sources, Iran has outlined several conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including sanctions lifting and compensation.

13 Aug 2026
Casualties & Safety

Six crew killed in Red Sea attack, sparking safety concerns

The attack on the Tihamah off Yemen increases concerns for seafarers and could delay transits through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

12 Aug 2026
Casualties & Safety

Stop killing transport workers: ITF condemns attacks on seafarers in Strait of Hormuz

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) warns of escalating attacks on merchant shipping, with civilian seafarers and vessels hit in both.

11 Aug 2026
Casualties & Safety

Ukraine halts attacks on non-Russian tankers exporting Kazakh crude

The International Transport Workers’ Federation condemns Black Sea vessel attacks, while Ukraine agrees to stop targeting non-Russian ships.

10 Aug 2026
Casualties & Safety

COSCO Car Carrier Catches Fire off Costa Rica; 22 Seafarers Rescued

A burning car carrier near the Costa Rican coast was rescued by two good Samaritan ships, with all crew safely recovered.

10 Aug 2026
Casualties & Safety

Ukrainian seafarers urge international action to protect maritime trade

The Marine Transport Workers’ Trade Union of Ukraine has appealed for stronger global efforts to safeguard seafarers and merchant shipping in the Black.

09 Aug 2026

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Other topics

Red Sea and Bab el-MandebPanama Canal transits and draft limitsSanctions and the shadow fleetDecarbonisation, EEXI and CIILNG, methanol and ammonia as marine fuelsCollisions, groundings and casualty reports

Fault-finding on the 04:00 watch