1. PURPOSE & SCOPE
The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) has issued a complete revision of Merchant Marine Circular MMC-269, streamlining and restructuring the guidelines for the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006) certification process.
PhRS as a Recognized Organization by Panama flag, we provide the key changes introduced by the new revision (June 2026). To ensure your fleet remains fully compliant and avoids costly disruptions or Port State Control (PSC) detentions, we have compiled a concrete comparison of the major structural and requirement changes below.
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Key Regulatory Changes: Previous vs. Latest MMC-269 |
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Regulatory Area |
Previous Requirements (Older MMC-269) |
New Requirements (June 2026 Revision) |
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Application Platform |
DMLC Part I requested through a generic web link [http://certificates.amp.gob.pa/certificates ] |
Transitioned to the new SEGUMAR 2.0 digital platform, optimized for online requests. |
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Service Window |
Handled regionally by selected Segumar Offices. |
Upgraded to a global 24/7 service coverage window by leveraging the international Segumar network across time zones. |
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DMLC Part I Re-issuance |
Required if the vessel changed its name, Gross Tonnage (GT), Recognized Organization (RO), ship-owner, or vessel type. |
Significantly relaxed. Re-issuance is only mandatory for changes to the vessel's name or Gross Tonnage (GT). Changes to the ship-owner or operator no longer trigger a DMLC Part I reissue. |
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Reference Circulars (ROs & Advanced Surveys) |
* List of authorized ROs referenced MMC-255. * Advanced inspections without RO change referenced MMC-159. * Advanced inspections with RO change referenced MMC-309. |
* List of authorized ROs updated to MMC-136. * Adanced inspections without RO change updated to MMC-324. * Advanced inspections with RO change updated to MMC-307. |
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Interim Certificate Issuance |
Broadly permitted interim certificates for up to 6 months. |
An Interim MLC Certificate may now only be issued for delivery of new ships, flag changes, or when a ship-owner assumes management of a vessel new to their fleet. |
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Deficiencies & PSC Detentions |
Broad instructions on handling PSC detentions and requesting additional audits. |
Strict handling framework introduced. Detailed records must be kept. Serious or frequent deficiencies can lead to withdrawal of the MLC Certificate. Conditional certificates require the submission of specific documents (RO report, DMLC Part II, financial securities). |
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PSC Reporting |
Operators coordinated via standard email chains. |
In case of PSC detention, operators must explicitly submit Form F-27 (Correction of Deficiencies Reports) directly to psc@amp.gob.pa . |
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Exemptions for Additional Audits |
No authorization needed for additional audits due to changes in name, GT, operator name, or operator physical address. |
Expanded the exemption list to include the ISM annual verification. Authorization is no longer required for additional audits in this scenario. |
2. ACTION ITMES FOR SHIP-OWNERS AND OPERATORS
- Utilize SEGUMAR 2.0: Ensure your operations team is registered and trained on the new platform for all future DMLC Part I electronic requests. This function is also undertaken by PhRS team. Please retain contact with any PhRS Office.
- Review RO Transfer Protocols: If you are transitioning between Recognized Organizations or shifting advanced survey windows, ensure your teams reference the newly updated cross-circulars (MMC-136, MMC-307, and MMC-324) to prevent procedural gaps.
- Rigorous Deficiencies Log: Given the PMA's heightened stance on certificate withdrawal for repeated non-compliance, vessel managers must enforce immediate reporting of deficiencies to Segumar and follow the strict Form F-27 protocol if detained.
PhRS team is standing by to help you stay current and updated and to ensure smooth, uninterrupted compliance for your fleet.
For the full text please follow the link below.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at technical@phrs.gr.