When Should Ports Intervene in Ship Emergencies—and Why It Concerns Every Seafarer?
An old but crucial question has resurfaced in the maritime industry: when is a port obligated to intervene if a vessel encounters technical problems, a risk of accident, or a potential environmental hazard? In practice, port decisions vary widely. Some ports act immediately—detaining the vessel, requiring repairs, or inviting an inspection. Others, fearing delays, reputational […]
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The EU has updated its visa-free travel suspension rules: what will change and what this means for Ukraine
The EU Council has officially approved updated rules that expand the mechanism for temporarily suspending visa-free travel for third countries. The new regulation will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU. 🔘 What has changed 🔘 Grounds for suspension The EU can trigger the mechanism in the […]
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Real-life situation in the China Sea
The vessel was heading to China for drydock repairs. That night, while the second officer was on watch after a recent shift, in an area with a large concentration of fishing schooners, one of them unexpectedly veered into the vessel’s path and attempted to pass directly in front of the vessel. The officer on the […]
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Ukraine imposed sanctions against 56 foreign vessels that illegally entered occupied ports.
Ukraine imposed sanctions against 56 sea vessels that illegally entered Ukrainian ports temporarily occupied by Russia (including Crimean ports) between 2022 and 2025, exporting Ukrainian grain and other goods, violating Ukrainian law and international maritime law. 📄 The decree was signed by the President of Ukraine based on the decision of the National Security and […]
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From January 2026, roaming-free communications within the EU for Ukrainians
Starting in early 2026, an important change will come into effect for Ukrainian citizens in Europe: the Roam Like At Home principle will be implemented, meaning mobile communications in EU countries will operate at the same rates as in Ukraine, with no additional roaming charges. This decision by the European Union is related to Ukraine’s […]
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