Maritime sector to launch drive against child sexual abuse

The Philippine manning and crewing industry is set to launch a nationwide campaign against child sexual abuse material (CSAM) as part of efforts to curb online exploitation and pornography involving women and children within the maritime sector.

The initiative will formally begin during a CSAM awareness forum on May 12 at the Okada Manila, where seafarers, shipowners, manning agencies, labor groups and government authorities are expected to gather to strengthen awareness and compliance efforts.

The campaign seeks to harmonize industry messaging and training programs to ensure Filipino seafarers understand that the possession and distribution of CSAM constitute serious criminal offenses under both Philippine and United States laws.

According to Association of Licensed Manning Agencies and Open Sea Crewing Agency president Capt. Antonio Ladera, the forums aim “to promote a safer, healthier maritime community (that) alignins with diplomatic and welfare initiatives of the international maritime community.”

“We are strengthening the protection of our Filipino seafarers globally and ensuring they remain the preferred choice for the international fleet,” Ladera said.

The campaign stems from a directive issued by the United States Embassy in the Philippines last Feb. 20 and later circulated through ALMA Memo-Circular 2026-002.

Under the directive, CSAM is defined as “digital content depicting the sexual abuse of minors.” Manning agencies accredited under the Manning Agency Accreditation Program are now required to certify that they screen applicants for possible CSAM-related history before hiring and provide mandatory orientation and prevention briefings prior to deployment.

The US Embassy also warned of severe penalties for violators. Seafarers found possessing, accessing or sharing CSAM during inspections at US ports may face prosecution, deportation, visa cancellation and a lifetime ban from entering the United States.

“This must be an industry-wide campaign. No single company or association can resolve an issue that affects the entire Filipino seafaring community and international crews across all flags,” Ladera stressed.

“The key is a proactive, coordinated response—including education, onboard policies, and access to counseling—so we can protect our seafarers and preserve the reputation of the Philippine maritime industry,” he added. TRACY CABRERA