NL 372/26 | LISCR - Prevention and Elimination of Harassment and Bullying onboard Ships
Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels
Effective Date: Immediate
Dear All,
This Newsletter aims to inform all concerned parties about this Marine Advisory 04/2026 issued by the Liberian Maritime Authority. The purpose of this Marine Advisory is to remind all ship-owners and operators to develop policies and measures to prevent and address harassment and bullying onboard ships. The Advisory also aims to assist seafarers to:
- recognize cases of harassment and/or bullying
- identify incidents through the use of effective grievance procedures
- become involved in situations where they see others being harassed and bullied and to offer support to them when necessary
- avoid bullying and harassing others
- report if bullying and harassment are observed or experienced
- comply with companies’ policies
- apply any other applicable measures.
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 or Liberian Maritime Authority at MLC@liscr.com.
Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels
Effective Date: Immediate
Dear All,
This Newsletter aims to inform all concerned parties about this Merchant Marine Notice 02/2026 issued by Panama Maritime Authority regarding the precheck process for a vessel to be eligible to enter the Panama Ship Registry.
Panama flag has hardened its’ criteria for the acceptance of a vessel to enter the Panama Ship Registry, made during the pre-check process, aiming to improve both operational performance and reduce the risk of detentions.
By virtue of 02/2026 revision of MMN-11/2024, the Panama Registry announced that,
- The Republic of Panama will not accept Oil Tankers or Bulk Carriers over fifteen (15) years of age for registration.
- Exceptions may apply in cases of bulk carriers up to twenty (20) years of age subject to the satisfactory results of internal risk assessment.
- In the case of oil tankers intended to operate within the jurisdictional waters of the Republic of Panama, age-related registration restrictions may be waived up to twenty five (25) years of age, subject to the submission of its valid Operating License issued by the Ports and Ancillary Industries General Directorate for existing Companies.
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 or Panama Martime Authority at psc@amp.gob.pa.
Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels
Effective Date: Immediate
Dear All,
This Newsletter aims to inform all concerned parties about this Merchant Marine Notice 04/2026 issued by Panama Maritime Authority. The purpose of this Merchant Marine Notice is to inform all Shipowners, Operators, Legal Representatives, Masters, Recognized Organizations (ROs), and Shipping Agencies of detainable Port State Control (PSC) deficiencies identified by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) on Panamanian-flagged vessels arriving at or operating within United States jurisdictional waters in 2025, with the objective of mitigating detention risk, enhancing vessel safety, and maintaining the high-performance standing of the Panama Ship Registry.
Applicability
1) All vessels flying the Panamanian flag, regardless of size, type, or trading area, that have undergone PSC inspections or detentions in arriving at or operating within United States ports.
2) Shipowners, Operators, Masters, Legal Representatives, and Port Agents responsible for vessel compliance, navigation safety, and port operations.
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 or Panama Martime Authority at psc@amp.gob.pa.
Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels
Effective Date: Immediate
Dear All,
This newsletter aims to inform all concerned parties about the issuance of Marine Notice No. 01/2026 by the Guinea-Bissau International Ships Registry (GB ISR).
The Marine Notice provides updated Flag State guidance to GB ISR-registered vessels operating in or near the affected region. It highlights the current maritime security environment and recommends enhanced voyage risk assessments, strengthened security measures consistent with the ISPS Code, and the application of relevant industry Best Management Practices (BMP) for Maritime Security.
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 or ops@gbi-lb.org.
Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels
Effective Date: Immediate
Dear All,
This Newsletter aims to inform all concerned parties about the current security situation in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden.
This information has been provided by both Sierra Leone and Belize Flag Administrations.
Sierra Leone Maritime Administrations
Maritime Circular No.58 has been issued by Sierra Leone Maritime Administration regarding the raise of Ship Security Level to level 3 for all vessels trading within the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman.
For the full text please follow the link below.
International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize
Marine Safety Advisory No.043 (26 )has been issued by the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize following the escalation of military hostilities between the United States and Israel, and the Islamic Republic of Iran (Operation "Epic Fury") which commenced on February 28, 2026. These advisory aims to inform all Belize-flagged vessels of the critical security risks currently present in the region.
Situation Overview
The security environment in the Middle East has degraded to a state of active conflict. Significant developments including:
- High-level strikes within Iran have triggered immediate retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the region, including targets in Israel, UAE (Jebel Ali), Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.
- US Naval Forces Central Command (CENTCOM) has established a wide Maritime Warning Zone encompassing the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and North Arabian Sea. The US Navy has officially stated it cannot guarantee the safety of neutral commercial shipping within this zone.
- While the Strait of Hormuz Status not officially closed by international decree, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued VHF broadcasts claiming the Strait is closed resulting in congestion is reported as vessels have dropped anchor to avoid transit.
- Recent reports confirm multiple tankers have been struck by projectiles or drones off the Gulf coast and Oman, resulting in vessel damage and seafarer fatalities.
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, SLMARAD at info@slmarad.com.
If you have any security incidents or notice any suspicious activity, you must report it immediately to the Belize Administration at security@immarbe.com.
NL 366/26 | Panama Maritime Authority – Guidelines for Vessels transit near Iranian territorial waters
Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels
Effective Date: Immediate
Dear All,
This Newsletter aims to inform all concerned parties about the Marine Notice 05/2026 issued by Panama Maritime Authority. The purpose of this Marine Notice is to inform all Panamanian-flagged vessels operating near Iran, Israel, the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz of the security risk due to the recent increase of tensions within the Middle East, which could have a direct impact on vessels and crew.
More specific:
- The Panama Maritime Administration strongly recommends all Panamanian-flagged vessels to take all security measures and avoid transiting through the above areas.
- All Panamanian vessels in Iranian waters and/or Iranian ports must comply with the specific precautionary measures imposed by the Government of Iran.
- captains/operators/ship security officer/Company Security Officer to maintain close communication with local shipping agents for the latest information and updates and follow the specific navigation routes provided by the authorities on site.
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
If you have any security incidents or notice any suspicious activity, you must report it immediately to the Maritime Ships Security Department at compliance@amp.gob.pa.
Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels
Effective Date: Immediate
Dear All,
This Newsletter aims to inform all concerned parties about the MC 216.1 Ship Security Advisory released by the Palau Ship Registry Administration regarding the immediate elevation of Ship Security Level due to military operations in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Sea.
According to the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and Marine Notice 228, as amended, Palau Ship Registry Administration hereby directs that all Palau-flagged vessels operating in or intending to transit the High-threat Areas shall immediately implement Ship Security Level III, or any equivalent port facility security measures upon arrival.
The directive is effective immediately and is including the Red Sea, BeM, GoA, Arabian/Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, SoH, North Arabian Sea, and the waters and ports of Israel.
Due to intense military tensions, missile threats, and potential mining in the above areas, the Palau Ship Registry Administration highly recommends commercial vessels to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, and Gulf of Oman and seek for safe, alternative ports recommended for waiting or re-routing.
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.
If you have any security incidents or notice any suspicious activity, you must report it immediately to the Palau Ship Registry Administration at info@palaushipreg.com and emergency@palaushipreg.com
Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels
Effective Date: Immediate
Dear All,
This newsletter aims to inform all concerned parties about the current security situation in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden.
This information has been provided by both the Liberian and Cook Islands Flag Administrations.
LISCR
Operational Guidance
- Liberian-flagged vessels in the affected area must operate at Security Level 3.
- Follow all measures in the Ship Security Plan.
- Use extreme caution and avoid the area if possible.
- Keep a constant watch on VHF Channel 16 and respond to U.S. military calls.
Navigation & AIS
GPS jamming and AIS interference have been reported. Under International Maritime Organization Resolution A.1106(29), Masters may switch off AIS if they believe it affects the ship’s safety or security. Be aware that vessels have been attacked with AIS both on and off.
Reporting
Vessels should:
- Report to United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO)
- Register with Maritime Security Centre – Indian Ocean (MSCIO)
- Follow Best Management Practices for Maritime Security (BMPMS)
- Consider voluntary reporting to Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFCIOR)
In an emergency, contact U.S. NAVCENT or NCAGS immediately.
For the full text please follow the link below.
MCI
Maritime Cook Islands have issued Circular 337/2026 in order to note the continued escalation of military and asymmetric security activities in:
- Persian Gulf
- Strait of Hormuz
- Gulf of Oman
- Red Sea
- Gulf of Aden
The evolving situation presents heightened risks to commercial shipping, including but not limited to:
- Missile and drone attacks
- Naval military operations
- Unmanned aerial and surface threats
- Seizure or detention of vessels
- Disruption of port services
- Rapid changes in port security levels
The geographic scope of the threat environment is expanding and may change at short notice.
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 or the Cook Island’s Technical Department sos-alert@maritimecookislands.com.
Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels
Effective Date: Immediate
Dear All,
This Newsletter aims to inform all concerned parties about Liberian Registry’s Marine Notice 03/2026, highlighting the continued importance of engine room fire prevention and safety compliance onboard Liberian-flagged vessels.
This Advisory summarizes:
- Required compliance elements
- Common areas of non-compliance
- Lessons learned through anonymous examples
- Mandatory actions to ensure conformity with Liberian and IMO standards
Flag Administration requires:
- Review and Amend Safety Procedures
- Enhance Crew Training
- Improve Supervisory Oversight
- Fleet-Wide Awareness
- Actions to Prevent Recurrence
All vessels are advised to review Marine Advisory 03/2026 and implement necessary preventive measures to enhance on board safety and regulatory compliance.
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 or the Investigations Department at investigations@liscr.com.
NL 362/26 | PMA: Ship-to-Ship (STS) Transfer Operations and flag notification (MMC -217)
Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels
Effective Date: January 2026
The Panama Maritime Authority, via Merchant Marine Circular 217 has restructured its requirements for Ship-to-Ship (STS) transfer operations and flag notations concerning Panamanian Oil Tankers of 150 GRT and above. More specifically:
- The STS operation Plan shall be developed taking into account the safety and pollution prevention provisions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions and the information contained in the best practice guidelines for STS operations identified by
- IMO’s “Manual on Oil Pollution, Section I, Prevention” as amended,
- ICS OCIMF Ship to Ship Transfer Guide for Petroleum, Chemicals and Liquefied Gases (2025),
- STS operation Plan shall be written in English and the working language of the ship;
- STS operations shall be conducted according to the approved STS Operations Plan;
- All Ship Operator Companies of all Panamanian flagged oil tankers of 150 GT and above shall update their STS Operations Plan to include the Notification to the Flag State regarding when and where this STS operations will take place.
The January 2026 update of MMC-217 provides for:
- The STS operation Plan shall be developed taking into accountICS OCIMF Ship to Ship Transfer Guide for Petroleum, Chemicals and Liquefied Gases (2025),
- It is strictly prohibited for Panamanian-flagged vessels to provide, facilitate, and/or participate, directly or indirectly, in any form of support to sanctioned vessels, in accordance with the provisions of Executive Decree No. 512 of October 18, 2024.
For the full text please follow the link below.
PHRS NL 325/25 is also relevant.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at technical@phrs.gr .