Technical Circular No: 016/2022
Download PDF1. Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) vide Merchant Marine Notice, MMN-02/2022 has informed that there has been an increase in the number of detentions of Panama flagged vessels within the Paris MoU jurisdiction.
2. Amongst other reasons, the most common factor related to detention is noted to be the vessel’s age. Vessels older than 20 years of age were the most detained vessels.
3. In view of above and in order to maintain the Panama’s white list status in the Paris MoU, PMA has decided that all Panama flagged vessels over 20 years of age that arrive at any port in the countries that are signatories of Paris MoU will be subjected to a Flag Safety Inspection (ASI) each six (6) months.
4. Flag Safety Inspection (ASI) will be undertaken by duly approved ASI inspectors holding an Authorization to carry out this flag inspection. The inspection will be done in situ and no remote flag inspection will be allowed.
5. The above campaign is temporary and is aimed at preventing possible PSC detentions, and/or delays to Panama flagged vessels.
6. Further, the Panama Maritime Authority has informed that non-compliance with the provisions of Marine Notice 02/2022 will be subject to monetary and administrative sanctions and if there is recurrence found, the removal/cancellation of the vessel from the flag registry may be applicable.
7. Owners / Operators and Masters of Panama flagged vessels are advised to take note of the above and ensure compliance.
Enclosure:
Disclaimer:
This Technical Circular and the material contained in it is provided only for the purpose of supplying current information to the reader and not as an advice to be relied upon by any person. While we have taken utmost care to be as factual as possible, readers/ users are advised to verify the exact text and content of the Regulation from the original source/ issuing Authority.