Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels
Action Date: Immediate
Dear All,
This Newsletter aims to inform all concerned parties about the issuance of MCI Circular 340/2026 by the Maritime Cook Islands which provides the Maritime Cook Islands’ policies for implementing the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (“Polar Code” or the “Code”), which entered into force on 1 January 2017.
This Circular supersedes MCI Circ. 153/2017.
The Applicability section has been revised to incorporate recent amendments to the Polar Code and associated amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter XIV. They expand the Polar Code’s applicability to certain non-SOLAS vessels and take effect from 1 January 2026. Additionally, s 4.2 has been updated to clarify the application provisions of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annex I, Regulation 43A concerning the Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) use and carriage prohibition in Arctic waters.
For the full text please follow the link bellow.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at technical@phrs.gr. or Maritime Cook Island’s Technical Department at technical@maritimecookislands.com
PHRS Head Office – April 03, 2026
Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels
Action Date: Immediate
This Newsletter aims to inform all ship-owners, operators and Masters of vessels about the Top 20 detainable deficiencies identified by the Liberian Registry for March 2026, based on recent Port State Control (PSC) statistics, and to enhance awareness on common root causes, preventive measures, and survey focus areas.
The most frequently identified detainable deficiencies (with codes) include:
- Auxiliary engine –13102
- Propulsion main engine–13101
- Maintenance of the ship and equipment – 15109
- Gauges, thermometers etc. –13103
- Lifeboats –11101
- Nautical publications –10116
- Fire-dampers –7115
- Firefighting equipment and appliances – 7110
- ISM – 15150
- Fire doors/openings in fire-resisting divisions – 7105
- Emergency source of power - Emergency generator – 4114
- Ventilators, air pipes , casing –3108
- Oil accumulation in engine room – 7126
- Emergency lighting, batteries and switches – 4103
- Rescue boats – 11104
- Fire pumps and its pipes – 7113
- Fixed fire extinguishing installation –7109
- Decks- corrosion –2117
- Steering gear –2105
- Magnetic compass –10105
Common Root Causes of PSC Detentions
PSC inspections indicate that detainable deficiencies often arise from:
- Inadequate maintenance or testing of safety-critical equipment;
- Lack of effective onboard verification prior to arrival at port;
- Insufficient crew familiarization and training, particularly for emergency duties;
- Incomplete, inaccurate, or outdated documentation and records.
Recommendations to Ship-owners and Operators
To reduce the risk of PSC detention, ship-owners and operators should be strongly encouraged to:
- Conduct pre-arrival internal checks, focusing on:
- Fire safety systems
- Life-Saving Appliances (LSA)
- ISM implementation
- Pollution prevention equipment
- Ensure all safety and emergency equipment is operational, tested, and readily available;
- Verify that crew are familiar with emergency duties and ship-specific procedures;
- Review and update statutory certificates, logs, and records prior to port entry;
- Pay particular attention to recurring PSC deficiency areas highlighted in this Circular and in PHRS PSC bulletins.
As a recognized organization, PHRS will continue to:
- Monitor PSC trends affecting ships classed and/or certified by PHRS;
- Share relevant information for awareness and preventive purposes through Technical Circulars, Newsletters, and PSC Bulletins;
- Support ship-owners and operators through technical guidance, clarification, and proactive engagement.
For more information, please contact us at technical@phrs.gr
Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels
Action Date: Immediate
Dear All,
This Newsletter aims to inform all concerned parties about the Marine Advisory: 06/2026 issued by the Liberian Registry.
This Advisory is issued to assist Liberian-flag vessels and their operators in strengthening shipboard/terminal coordination and risk controls when any vessel, barge, or service craft is positioned alongside a container vessel during active cargo operations, and to reduce the likelihood of injuries, damages, and Port State Control (PSC) deficiencies.
Key Requirements from the China MSA Guidelines
• Strengthened Work Safety Responsibility System
• Enhanced Dual Prevention Mechanisms
• Voyage Safety Risk Assessment System
• “Dual-Verification” for High-Risk Operations
• Strengthened Duty, Watchkeeping, and Monitoring
• Major Safety Risk Control (Collisions, Weather, Dangerous Cargo, Passenger Ships)
• Emergency Preparedness and Drills
• Training, Competence & Crew Management
For the full text please follow the link bellow.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at technical@phrs.gr or Liberian Registry’s Fleet Performance Department at prevention@liscr.com.
PHRS Head Office – April 01, 2026
Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels
Action Date: Immediate
Dear All,
This Newsletter aims to inform all concerned parties that the FuelEU Maritime verification period for the 2025 reporting year has commenced, and to outline the required actions, key deadlines, and compliance procedures for the 2026 compliance cycle.
This NL aims to ensure timely compliance with Regulation (EU) 2023/1805, including the application of flexibility mechanisms, verification of compliance balances, and issuance of the FuelEU Document of Compliance (DoC).
Responsibility for Compliance
The Company holding the Document of Compliance (DoC) under the ISM Code shall be responsible for FuelEU Maritime compliance. The DoC holder retains full liability for any penalties arising from non-compliance.
Verification Period – Key Milestones
By 31 March 2026 – Annual FuelEU Report Verification
The annual FuelEU report shall be verified by the appointed verifier within THETIS-MRV.
The report shall include the vessel’s Initial Compliance Balance, prior to the application of any flexibility mechanism.
By 30 April 2026 – Compliance Confirmation Deadline
Companies shall:
Create and submit a Compliance Balance Report in THETIS
Select and apply an appropriate flexibility mechanism, including
- Banking
- Borrowing
- Pooling
- Payment of penalty
Ensure all selected mechanisms are:
- Submitted
- Reviewed
- Approved by the verifier
Additionally:
- - The verifier shall confirm the final compliance balance in THETIS
- - Each vessel shall have a verified compliance balance by 30 April 2026
FuelEU Document of Compliance (DoC)
A FuelEU DoC shall be issued on a per-vessel basis, subject to compliance status:
Positive or Zero Compliance Balance
The vessel is eligible to receive the FuelEU DoC upon verifier confirmation
Negative Compliance Balance
- - The Administering State shall calculate applicable penalties
- - The DoC shall be issued only after settlement of penalties
- - Payment instructions shall be provided directly by the Administering State
Required Actions by Stakeholders
Ship Owners, Managers, Operators, and Verifiers shall take the following actions:
1. Review Verified FuelEU Reports
Confirm each vessel’s compliance balance as verified by 31 March 2026
2. Assess Flexibility Mechanisms
Evaluate the applicability of:
- Banking
- Borrowing
- Pooling
Engage early with:
- Pooling partners
- Verifiers
3. Apply Compliance Strategy
Submit selected mechanisms via THETIS
4. Ensure approval by verifier
Alternatively, proceed with penalty settlement
5. Finalize Compliance Position
Ensure each vessel achieves a verified compliance balance by 30 April 2026
6. Complete Additional Verification Activities
Coordinate promptly with verifiers for any additional checks related to flexibility mechanisms
Failure to complete the above actions by 30 April 2026 may result in:
- Non-compliance status
- Financial penalties
- Delay or non-issuance of the FuelEU DoC
Additional Guidance
Stakeholders are encouraged to consult:
- European Commission FuelEU Maritime Guidance
- EMSA THETIS-MRV platform guidance and tutorials
Applicability
This Circular applies to:
- - All vessels subject to FuelEU Maritime Regulation
- - All PHRS-certified companies and vessels, where applicable
Conclusion
The FuelEU Maritime framework introduces a structured compliance cycle requiring:
- Accurate reporting
- Timely verification
- Strategic use of flexibility mechanisms
Early preparation and coordination with verifiers are essential to ensure full compliance and avoidance of penalties.
PHRS Head Office – March 27, 2026
Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels
Action Date: Immediate
Dear All,
This Newsletter aims to inform all concerned parties about this Technical Service Circular No. 01/2026 issued by G-B International Ship Registry. The purpose of this circular is to summarize the key outcomes of the 36th Extraordinary Session of the Council, held on 18 and 19 March at the headquarters of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London.
The session was convened at the request of Member States in response to the urgent and evolving situation affecting shipping and seafarers in the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman, and the Gulf region—particularly in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
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 G-B International Ship Registry at gbi@gbisr.com.
NL 378/26 | Panama Maritime Authority - Welcome Guidance and Post Registration Requirements (MMC 407).
Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels
Action Date: Immediate
Dear All,
This Newsletter aims to inform all concerned parties about this Merchant Marine Circular MMC-407 in order to provide guidance to users of Panama Ship Registry regarding the requirements applicable to vessels after their registration under the Panama Ship Registry.
Scope
In according with the provisions of item 25 of Article 30 of Decree Law No. 7 of February 10, 1998, as amended by Article 187 of Law No. 57 of August 6, 2008, one of the functions of the General Directorate of Merchant Marine is to perform Flag State functions and enforce applicable regulations on Panamanian and foreign-registered vessels operating within jurisdictional waters.
Such enforcement shall be carried out in accordance with national legal standards and the international conventions ratified by the Republic of Panama, particularly in matters related to maritime safety, navigational safety, maritime security, and the prevention and control of marine pollution, as well as relevant international guidelines and codes applicable to the Flag State.
The Republic of Panama has adopted several International Maritime Conventions through different national laws with the aim of preserving the safety of life at sea, preventing pollution, and ensuring the security of vessels registered under the Panamanian flag.
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 Maritime Authority at cumplimientodgmm@amp.gob.pa.
Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels
Action Date: 18/03/26
Dear All,
This Newsletter aims to inform all concerned parties about the Revision of Maritime Circular No. 31 issued by the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration. The purpose of this Maritime circular is to outline the procedure, scope and requirements for Flag Safety Inspections of Sierra Leonean vessels.
Application
The aim of Flag Safety Inspections (FSIs) is to enhance the safety standards of Sierra Leonean vessels and decrease the number of deficiencies that may result in the detention of the ship from Port State Control Authorities.
The Flag Safety Inspections (FSIs) apply to all vessels registered with the Sierra Leone Flag.
There are several types of Flag Safety Inspections as follows:
- Pre-registration FSI: To be conducted prior to the provisional registration of a vessel under Sierra Leone Flag. This type of inspection is applicable when deemed necessary by the Administration.
- Initial FSI: To be conducted within 3 months from the date of provisional registration.
- Annual FSI: To be conducted within the 12-month period from the due date of Annual Taxes / Renewal of Registry.
- Special FSI: To be carried out in special cases such as when the vessel has been detained by Port State Control or any other case as deemed necessary (ref. Maritime Circular No.9 & 11).
- Periodic FSI: To be conducted at regular intervals, as deemed necessary by the Administration.
- Follow-up FSI: To be conducted after the completion of a pre-registration, initial, annual, special, or periodic FSI, if deemed necessary by the Administration. During a follow-up FSI, the Flag Safety Inspector may conduct a full inspection in accordance with the Administration’s requirements and is not limited to verifying only the items identified during the previous FSI.
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 Sierra Leone Maritime Administration at info@slmarad.com.
NL 376/26 | LISCR - Guidelines on Fair Treatment of Seafarers Detained in Connection with Alleged Crimes
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 05/2026 issued by the Liberian Maritime Authority. The purpose of this Marine Advisory is to provide reference instrument for principles that can be reflected in the implementation of policies, legislation, and administrative measures on the fair treatment of seafarers detained on suspicion of committing crimes, and that can be tailored to different national systems and circumstances.
Requirements
The Guidelines are intended to be applied where seafarers may be investigated or detained in a jurisdiction other than that of the seafarers’ nationality on suspicion of committing or having committed crimes during the course of their employment onboard a ship.
- Guidelines for Port or Coastal State
- Guidelines for the Flag State
- Guidelines for Seafarers
- Guidelines for Shipowners
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 of MMC-403 is to stress the importance and commitment of minimizing the abuse of alcohol, drugs, and other harmful substances, while also addressing concerns related to HIV/AIDS and other health risks that may impact safety and operational efficiency onboard vessels.
General Duties and Rights
Outlining responsibilities of companies and seafarers in promoting a safe and healthy working environment.
Alcohol and Drug Policy Guidelines
Recommendations on the content and implementation of an effective onboard policy to address alcohol and drug use.
HIV/AIDS Awareness and Health Risk Management
Measures to prevent discrimination and promote awareness of health risks, including HIV prevention and education.
Additional Recommendations
Including promoting a culture of safety, regular training, and availability of support mechanisms.
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 Maritime Authority’s mail at mlc@segumar.com
NL 374/26 | SKAN - MC 140/25: Casualty Reporting
Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels
Effective Date: Immediate
Dear All,
The purpose of Newsletter is to ensure crew awareness of vessels registered with the Saint Kitts and Nevis (SKAN) International Ship Registry on Marine Casualty Investigations. This circular serves to reinforce the importance of proper reporting procedures following a marine casualty or incident, in line with the IMO’s Casualty Investigation Code as adopted by Resolution MSC.255(84). The Code outlines internationally recognized standards and recommended practices for conducting marine safety investigations.
All vessels under the Saint Kitts and Nevis (SKAN) flag are required to fully comply with the provisions of the Casualty Investigation Code.
In the event of a marine casualty or incident, a preliminary report must be submitted without delay to the SKAN Registry via mail@skanregistry.com.
The initial email should include the following:
- Vessel name and IMO number
- Date, time, and location of the incident
- A clear description of the event
- Any immediate safety actions taken
To support effective investigation, preservation of all relevant evidence is critical. This includes:
- Securing data from the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) – its retrieval is mandatory
- Retaining time-sensitive materials such as CCTV footage, electronic records, and logs
- In the event the accident scene must be disturbed before investigators arrive, the area must be fully photographed, documented, and system settings recorded in detail prior to any alterations
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 Saint Kitts and Nevis office at mail@skanregistry.com