Refers to: Ship Owners / Managers/ Operators of Panamanian flagged vessels, PHRS Surveyors / Representatives      Action Date: Immediate The purpose of subject newsletter is to inform all interested parties regarding the SSAS Test Instructions issued by Panama Flag Administration via MMC-133. More specifically, the purpose of this MMC-133 is to update the instructions and procedures of the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) according to SOLAS 74’, as amended Chapter XI-2 Reg. 6, the IMO Resolution MSC 136(76) and Resolution No.106-107-DGMM dated October 9th, 2017 (Visit Maritime Security link, ISPS Regulations, SSAS). Merchant Marine Circular 133 can be found…

Refers to: Ship Owners / Managers/ Operators, PHRS Surveyors / Representatives      Action Date: Immediate The purpose of subject newsletter is to inform all interested parties of the current situation and temporary measures to be taken by cargo ships and fishing vessels due to the outbreak of COVID-19. The Secretary-General of IMO has received the attached interim guidance on "Promoting public health measures in response to COVID-19 on cargo ships and fishing vessels" prepared by WHO, with the contributions of the following organizations, which helped to develop this guidance document: IMO; ILO; ICS; IAPH; INTERTANKO; IMHA; ITF; the WHO Collaborating…

Refers to: Ship Owners / Managers/ Operators of Panamanian flagged vessels, PHRS Surveyors / Representatives      Action Date: 01 Oct. 2020 Due to the high level of deficiencies found in recent year by PSC authorities related to the ISPS code, the Panama Maritime Authority has decided to implement a concentrated Inspection Campaigns from October 1st until December 31st 2020 focused on ISPS code, through their Annual Safety Inspection Program.   The purpose of this additional verification is to make sure the vessels and their crews are familiar with the requirements ISPS code conditions and its importance for the vessel's…

Refers to: Ship Owners / Managers/ Operators, PHRS Surveyors / Representatives      Action Date: 31 Dec. 2020 The purpose of subject newsletter is to inform all interested parties of the IHM Guidelines of vessels operating in European waters considering the disruptions caused by Covid-19. More specifically: In  case that a vessel may arrive at an EU port after 31 December 2020 without carrying on board a valid IHM and/or accompanying certificate (Inventory Certificate or Ready for Recycling certificate for EU flagged vessel or Statement of Compliance for non-EU flagged vessel) and the ship owner/master claims that this non-compliance is due…

Refers to: Ship Owners / Managers/ Operators, PHRS Surveyors / Representatives      Action Date: 26 Dec. 2020 The amendment to Standard A2.1 requires a Seafarer's Employment Agreement (SEA) to remain in effect while a seafarer is held captive on or off the ship due to piracy or armed robbery, regardless of whether the date fixed for its expiry has passed or any notice to terminate it has been issued. The amendment to Standard A2.2 requires that wages and other entitlements, under the SEA and any Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), including allotments, shall continue to be paid during the entire…