Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels Action Date: 01/10/2025   Resolution MEPC.383(81) introduces amendments to Regulations A-1 and B-2 of the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention, formally recognizing the use of Electronic Record Books (ERBs). An ERB is defined as a system approved by the Flag Administration for the recording of ballast water operations. These amendments permit ERBs to replace traditional paper record books or to be integrated into other existing shipboard record systems. In accordance with the revised requirements, ballast water operations must be recorded without delay, signed by the responsible officer, and verified by…

Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels Amendments enter into force: 1 August 2025 Existing ships must comply: from 1 January 2026 New ships delivered after 1 August 2025: compliance from entry into service IMO has updated the Data Collection System (DCS) under MARPOL Annex VI to improve the accuracy and granularity of fuel consumption and efficiency data. Key changes include:   Detailed Fuel Reporting  Fuel consumption must now be recorded per consumer type (main engines, auxiliary engines, boilers, etc.) and per fuel type. Fuel used while the ship is not under way (e.g., at berth,…

Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels Action Date: Immediate   We are pleased to announce that the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMARAD) has included PHRS on the List of Authorized Recognized Organizations (ROs) via Maritime Circular No.3. This development strengthens PHRS’s global network of authorizations, offering our clients more options for compliance with international conventions. Ship-owners and operators flying the Sierra Leone flag can now rely on PHRS for statutory surveys, certifications, and approvals. At PHRS, we remain committed to providing reliable, efficient, and customer-focused classification and statutory services. Our recognition by Sierra Leone is…

Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels Action Date: 01/09/2025 In a shared press release, the member Authorities of the Tokyo and the Paris Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control will launch a joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Ballast Water Management. The purpose of the campaign is to determine if ships meet the mandatory requirements for Ballast Water Management (BWM) as prescribed in the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (BWM Convention). This 2025 campaign has been initiated in order to promote the effective and…

Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels Action Date: 06/08/2025 Panama Maritime Authority, via Merchant Marine Circular 217 (available here) has restructured its requirements for Ship-to-Ship (STS) transfer operations involving Panama-flagged oil tankers ≥150 GT, in response to growing concerns about illegal transhipments. All relevant oil tankers must carry an approved STS Operations Plan on board. Plans must follow IMO and industry guidelines and be updated to include flag-state notification requirements. Effective 6 August 2025, oil tankers must notify the Panama Flag State of STS operations at least 48 hours in advance via the E-Segumar Platform.…