Technical Circular No: 99/2020
Download PDF- Panama Maritime Authority has issued updated Merchant Marine Notice No. MMN-07-2020 providing following interim measures in respect of postponement/ extension of statutory certification and services due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
2. Recognized Organizations are allowed to:
A. Postpone/Extend all surveys (except bottom surveys), audits and inspections for a period of three (3) monthsfrom certificate or window expiry date, subject to a subsequent revalidation or reinstatement of the correspondent certificate
Accordingly, the Recognized Organization (RO) are required to ensure that
a. All statutory certificates remainsvalid using remote surveys or visits whenever possible. However, in those cases that aremotesurvey or visits are not possible to be carried out, the RO is authorized tomaintain the validity of the statutory certificate for the grace periodaforementioned.
b. All records justifying each case according to the circumstances are to be kept and remain available to any Port State Control Authority and aswell as Panama Administration.
c. Furthermore, in case of MLC remote inspections, the Recognized Organization is to ensure that the MLC financial securities remain valid during the extended period (see Standard A2.5.2 and Standard A4.2).
B. Equipment Services: services and expiry date of life saving appliances, navigation and firefighting equipment are allowed for an immediate extension valid for three (3) months subject to the agreement of the Recognized Organization.
Extensions required for a longer period will begranted on a case by case basis, according to the circumstances, providedthat supporting evidence of each case is presented to extensions@segumar.com or any Segumar Office.
C. Ship-owners/operators of ships currently holding a Conditional Certificate related to a deficiency or damage onboard, are required to contact the Administration if the necessary malfunction, repair or administrative related matter is not possible to rectify, carry out or be provided. An email along with supporting evidence of each case is tobe sent to conditionals@segumar.com. Ensure that Recognized Organization responsible to issue the correspondent certificates is in agreement with the conditions on board.
D. The validity of all statutory certificates (except for Conditional Certificates) are extended exceptionally for a period of three (3) months, including among them:
a. Maritime Labour Certificate (MLC, 2006)
b. Safety Management Certificate (SMC)
c. Document of Compliance (DOC)
d. International Tonnage Certificate (ITC-69)
e. International Ballast Water Management Certificate (IBWMC)
f. Exemption Certificates
g. Certificate of Registry (Patente)
h. Radio License
E. Request for authorization towards postponement of ISPS verification for three (3) months is to be made thru the E-Segumar platform on the following website link: http://certificates.amp.gob.pa/certificates
F. Colour copy of original signed Ships Registry Certificates (Patent) and Radio Station
License issued by the Administration are considered valid for three (3) months, from itsissue date.
G. Soft copy of Exemption certificates and Minimum Safe Manning Certificates for MODU/MOU issued by the Administration are considered valid for three (3) months, from itsissue date.
H. The postponement/Extension of the inspection of the outside ships’ bottom will continue to be processed on a case by case basis as per the guidelines provided in Merchant Marine Circular No.204. Inspections afloat using remote inspection techniques might be allowed under exceptional circumstances. Extensions beyond three (3) months may require a Risk Assessment approved by the RO, including mitigation measures.
- Ship owners/ operators and masters of Panama flagged ships are advised to be guided by above.
- This Technical Circular supersedes and revokes earlier Technical Circular No. 080/2020 dated 15May 2020.
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.