Technical Circular No: 001/2025
- The Panama Maritime Administration has added sections to the Merchant Marine Circular MMC-345 regarding Flag State Policy on Ballast Water Management Convention.
- Under special circumstances where vessels encounter challenging water quality, it is recommended that the BWMP incorporates guidelines from MEPC.387(81), which provides interim guidance on the application of the BWM Convention for ships operating in such conditions. The increasing number of ports enforcing environmental regulations highlights the importance of adhering to these guidelines. Should the vessel face challenges related to muddy or other adverse water conditions, the Master must promptly notify the Administration and local authorities to ensure compliance and operational safety.
- When vessels are required to use ballast tanks temporarily for treated sewage and/or grey water, it is advisable to include BWM.2/Circ.82 guidance within the BWMP. This circular supports the safe management and temporary storage of these waters in ballast tanks, accommodating the stricter regulations imposed at various ports. If such storage becomes necessary, the Master is obligated to inform the Administration and relevant local authorities, documenting each instance to maintain full transparency and compliance.
- Accordingly, where the BWMP requires the inclusion of Resolution MEPC.387(81) or BWM.2/Circ.82, it must be promptly updated to incorporate these guidelines. This update is not considered as a significant or regular amendment, so no additional charges will be required to be paid to the Flag Administration.
- Once updated, please submit the revised BWMP to the Panama Flag Administration at bwmp@segumar.com to ensure Flag records are accurately updated.
- Please keep a copy of communication towards approval of the BWMP revision with the approved BWMP.
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.