29/07/2025
ADVISORY FOR ALL FILIPINO SEAFARERS TRAVELING TO OR DOCKING IN U.S. PORTS I MARINO PH
Following multiple testimonies received from seafarers-particularly those recently repatriated from various cruise ships -there is an alarming pattern emerging. A majority of the cases involved allegations of pornographic content, particularly those downloaded or stored on personal devices, which led to detention and deportation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) without formal charges or due process.
In light of these serious developments, we urge all Filipino seafarers, regardless of vessel type (cruise ship or cargo vessel), who are:
-Traveling to the United States via direct or connecting flights,
-Scheduled to embark or disembark at any U.S. port, or
-Whose vessels will dock in any U.S. territory,
to observe the following precautionary measures:
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PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
1.CLEAR YOUR DEVICES OF ANY SENSITIVE CONTENT
-Avoid storing any explicit, pornographic, or suggestive material on your mobile phones, laptops, or storage devices—even if legal in the Philippines.
-Delete downloaded content from file-sharing platforms, apps, or unknown sources, which may be misinterpreted during inspection.
2.DO NOT SHARE FILES WITH OTHER CREW MEMBERS
-Avoid sharing videos or media content through AirDrop, USB, Bluetooth, or messenger apps onboard or during transit.
3. UPDATE AND SCAN YOUR DEVICES
-Before your flight or embarkation, scan your devices for viruses and unwanted files. Some malicious apps or ads may download inappropriate content without your knowledge.
4.COOPERATE BUT KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
-If questioned or inspected by U.S. authorities, remain calm and cooperative.
-Politely request legal counsel or consular assistance if detained.
-Do not sign documents you do not understand.
5.USE A SECONDARY DEVICE
-Consider bringing a clean travel phone and leave your personal device at home to avoid complications.
-Refrain from bringing USBs, external drives, or unverified SD cards unless absolutely necessary.
6.AVOID INSTALLING SUSPICIOUS APPS
-Remove apps that could contain or share inappropriate content, such as unregulated video streaming or adult platforms.
7.REVIEW COMPANY POLICIES
-Familiarize yourself with your company’s IT policy and guidelines regarding content on personal devices during international travel.
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This advisory is issued not as an accusation, but as a precautionary reminder in view of escalating enforcement measures and vague accusations currently being reported across several vessels in U.S. ports.
We stand with all affected Filipino seafarers and call for due process, transparency, and respect for international labor rights.
Stay informed. Stay vigilant.
- MARINO PH
