1. PURPOSE
This Newsletter aims to inform all interested parties about the issuance of Merchant Marine Circular MMC-193 by the Panama Maritime Authority. This MMC is informing all interested parties that this Administration has established through Resolution No.106-52-DGMM of September 9, 2024, the regulatory scheme for the approval of the voluntary use of Electronic Record Books on board Panamanian vessels, assuring in this way, that the international standards of maritime safety and pollution prevention contained within the International Conventions ratified by the Republic of Panama are complied with. Additionally, to inform those electronic books or electronic record books to be used as an alternative method to a hard copy record books mandatory because of the different annexes of the MARPOL Convention 73/78 as amended, shall comply with the technical specification detailed in the IMO Resolution MEPC.312(74) and with the IMO Resolution MEPC.372(80) related to electronic record books for the Ballast Water Management Convention.
2. SCOPE
this service on board Panamanian vessels.
The required services within the optional and voluntary Electronic Record Books are limited to supply any Panamanian vessel, with the electronic means for the reception, record, and control of the information about:
- MARPOL Record Book
- Crew Roll Book
- Bridge Logbook
- Ballast Water Record Book
- Any other record book the Administration determines to be necessary for the operation of the ship per the international Conventions and Codes.
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 Panama’s General Directorate of Merchant Marine at ebookspanama@segumar.com segumar.headoffice@segumar.com .
1. SCOPE & PURPOSE
This Newsletter aims to inform all interested parties about the issuance of Merchant Marine Circular MMC-408 by the Panama Maritime Authority. This MMC clarifies the provisions that are to the satisfaction of the Administration stipulated in Regulation 3-13 – “Lifting appliances and anchor handling winches.” As well as to ensure that lifting appliances and anchor handling winches fitted on Panamanian-flagged ships are designed, constructed, installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the required standards.
2. BACKGROUND
Casualty and incident reports indicate that mechanical failures of lifting appliances have caused several accidents, resulting in property loss and, most importantly, human life lost on board. For this reason, member states and industry worked together to develop mandatory requirements for lifting appliances to reduce the number of casualties caused by substandard lifting appliances.
Finally, during the 107th Session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) held from May 1 to June 9, 2023, the IMO adopted new mandatory requirements for lifting appliances and anchor handling winches, which were embedded into the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) by the Resolution MSC.532(107). Moreover, Amendment MSC.532(107) includes the addition of regulation 13-13 – “Lifting appliances and anchor handling winches in Chapter II-1, which will entered into force on January 01, 2026.
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 Panama’s Recognized Organizations Oversight Department at segumar.headoffice@segumar.com / ro-monitoring@segumar.com.
NL 394/26 | LISCR - Hazards of Fumigation using Phosphide onboard Dry Bulk Cargo Vessels
Supersedes Marine Advisory: 19/2022.
1. SCOPE & PURPOSE
This Newsletter aims to inform all interested parties about the issuance of Marine Advisory: 19/2022/Rev.1 by the Liberia Maritime Authority. This Marine Advisory provides information about the hazards associated with in-transit fumigation of cargo using Phosphides.
2. BACKGROUND
Fumigation is the process of releasing toxic gases (pesticides) into a cargo hold or compartment for the purpose of eliminating or avoiding infestation by insects or other pests that may cause the cargo to deteriorate. Fumigation may take place either prior to and/or after loading the cargo. In-transit fumigation is preferred by shippers and charterers because it reduces time in port. In recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of marine casualty incidents related to in-transit fumigation. In this regard, the Administration has recently investigated two incidents, one of which resulted in a fatality:
- In the first incident, a crew member was fatally injured after attempting to open a hatch entrance cover during the topping up process of the Phosphide tablets. The excessive pressure from the Phosphine gas caused the hatch cover to break loose from the hinged joint and strike the crewmember.
- In the second incident, smoke was seen emanating from the cargo hold. In both incidents, crew members were required to assist the fumigation technician including the removal of the fumigation sleeves from the cargo holds.
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 LISCR’s Investigations Department at investigations@liscr.com.
1. SCOPE & PURPOSE
This Newsletter aims to inform all interested parties about the issuance of Merchant Marine Circular MMC-404 by the Panama Maritime Authority. This MMC provide information on the measures implemented to enhance the performance of the Panamanian Merchant Marine Fleet.
Considering that more than a year has passed since the implementation of measures to strengthen the performance of the Panamanian Merchant Marine Fleet, this General Directorate deems it appropriate to make adjustments that allow for monitoring in line with international guidelines and conventions, and international maritime jurisdiction, with a view to obtaining the best performance from Panamanian-registered vessels before the Competent Authorities in charge of supervision by the Port State Control.
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 Panama’s Navigation and Maritime Safety Department at prearrival@amp.gob.pa
Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels
Action Date: Immediate
1. SCOPE & PURPOSE
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 April 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
- Lifeboats – 11101
- Gauges, thermometers etc. – 13103
- Fire-dampers – 7115
- Nautical publications – 10116
- ISM – 15150
- Fire fighting equipment and appliances – 7110
- Fire doors/openings in fire-resisting divisions – 7105
- Ventilators, air pipes , casing – 3108
- Emergency source of power - Emergency generator – 4114
- Emergency lighting, batteries and switches – 4103
- Oil accumulation in engine room – 7126
- Rescue boats – 11104
- Fire pumps and its pipes – 7113
- Fixed fire extinguishing installation – 7109
- Magnetic compass – 10105
- Fire Detection and Alarm System – 7106
- Steering gear – 2105
- Navigation Lights ( Masthead, Sternlight, Anchor,etc) – 10105
2. COMMON ROOT CAUSES OF PSC DETENTIONS
PSC inspections indicate that detainable deficiencies often arise from:
- Inadequate maintenance or testing
- 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.
3. 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 any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at technical@phrs.gr
NL 391/26 | LISCR - Seafarers Verification Details
Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels
Action Date: Immediate
1. SCOPE & PURPOSE
This Newsletter aims to inform all concerned parties about the issuance of Marine Operations Note: 04/26 by the Liberian Registry. This Marine Operations Note informs all shipowners, ship management companies, manning/crewing agents and authorized Liberian filing agents of the ability to verify all Seafarers documents including CRAs issued through the Seafarer Portal on or after 24 April 2026 via an embedded QR code.
2. BACKGROUND
Effective 24 April 2026, all Liberian documents issued through the Seafarer Portal shall see the inclusion of a QR Code embedded on every Liberian document, including CRAs. Scanning the QR Code will navigate the user to the Seafarer Certification Verification page to confirm the validity of each particular document.
This feature is also available to verify:
- Liberian Course Certificates issued by Liberian Approved and Recognized Training Centers
- Medical certificates (Form RLM-105M-2) issued by Liberian-approved medical practitioners
In addition, all Liberian issued documents which do not have the new QR code can still be verified through the Seafarer Search Tool.
Electronic documents will be available to individual seafarers on their mobile devices through SEA360. Each document can be verified by scanning the QR code within the application, which directs users to the Seafarer Certification Verification page.
3. APPLICABILITY
Effective 23 April 2026, Certificates of Receipt of Application (CRAs) issued via the SEA System within the Seafarer Portal will include embedded QR codes for verification purposes. Scanning the QR Code will direct the user to a verification page on the LISCR website confirming the validity of the CRA. This verification page is separate from the Seafarers Search Tool, which may only be used to verify Liberian seafarer credentials. CRAs containing embedded QR codes will be available to authorized Liberian filing agents through the SEA System tab in the Seafarer Portal. CRAs without a QR code may still be in circulation and can be verified by contacting this office directly.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at technical@phrs.gr or Liberia’s Seafarers Certification and Documentation Department at: Seafarers@liscr.com
Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels
Action Date: Immediate
1. SCOPE & PURPOSE
This Newsletter aims to inform all concerned parties about the issuance of Marine Operations Note 03/2026 by the Liberian Registry. This Marine Operations Note informs all shipowners, ship management companies, manning and crewing agents and authorized Liberian filing agents of enhancements to Certificates of Receipt of Application (CRA), as previously outlined in Marine Operations Note 05/2024 dated 26th November 2024.
2. BACKGROUND
Certificates of Receipt of Application (CRA) are provided to seafarers whose applications are being processed to allow them to perform their duties on the rank/rating described on the CRA.
3. APPLICABILITY
Effective 23 April 2026, Certificates of Receipt of Application (CRAs) issued via the SEA System within the Seafarer Portal will include embedded QR codes for verification purposes. Scanning the QR Code will direct the user to a verification page on the LISCR website confirming the validity of the CRA. This verification page is separate from the Seafarers Search Tool, which may only be used to verify Liberian seafarer credentials. CRAs containing embedded QR codes will be available to authorized Liberian filing agents through the SEA System tab in the Seafarer Portal. CRAs without a QR code may still be in circulation and can be verified by contacting this office directly.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at technical@phrs.gr or Liberia’s Seafarers Certification and Documentation Department at: Seafarers@liscr.com
Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels
Action Date: Immediate
1. SCOPE & PURPOSE
This Newsletter aims to inform all concerned parties about the issuance of Marine Advisory 08/2026 by the Liberian Registry. This Marine Advisory provides guidance to shipowners, operators, recognized organizations, masters and crew for the safe operation of the ship, equipment, systems and machinery when operating/navigating in cold weather and low temperatures, following detention of a ship due to frozen pipes and damaged solenoid valve of the fixed local application fire-extinguishing system.
2. REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
- SOLAS Chapter I, Regulation 11(a)
- SOLAS Chapter II-2, regulation 14.2
- SOLAS Chapter III, Regulation 20.2
- SOLAS Chapter IX and the ISM Code
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at technical@phrs.gr or Liberia’s Regulations and Standards Department at Regsandstandards@liscr.com
NL 388/26 | PMA - Panama Policy on Implementation of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code.
Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels
Action Date: Immediate
1. SCOPE & PURPOSE
This Newsletter aims to inform all concerned parties about the MMC-176 reviewed by PMA and recirculated to users of Panama flag.
The purpose of this Merchant Marine Circular (MMC-176) establishes the mandatory policy for the implementation of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, in strict alignment with International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines. It provides a standardized framework for additional verifications to ensure that safety management systems are not merely documented, but are active and effective in identifying hazards and reducing risks to a level that is As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP). Furthermore, it serves as a critical reminder to all stakeholders of their responsibility to maintain a proactive safety culture to achieve the Code’s objectives of maritime safety and pollution prevention.”
2. BACKROUND
The International Safety Management (ISM) Code was adopted by the Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on 4 November 1993 through Resolution A.741 (18). It aims to foster the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention. The 1994 Amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, included a new chapter "CHAPTER IX" - Management for the safe operation of ships, making the application of the Code mandatory to ships, regardless of the date of construction.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at technical@phrs.gr or Panama’s Registry at segumar.headoffice@segumar.com
NL 387/26 | MCI - Circular 341/2026 - Lessons learned from loss of anchor during navigation
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 341/2026 by the Cook Islands Ship Registry.
Summary
Maritime Cook Islands would like to disseminate the key findings and lessons learned, as a result of the investigation on the EAGLE S accident and in light of the Final Investigation Report “M/T EAGLE S – Loss of anchor and damages to underwater cables, 25th December 2024 – Baltic Sea off Helsinki (Finland)” issued on 27 February 2026.
Maritime Cook Islands would like to highlight that the investigation report’s conclusions confirm that the event was not the result of an intentional act, but rather the consequence of a combination of technical deterioration and operational factors.
The investigation identified a progressive failure of the anchor securing system, compounded by gaps in maintenance, operational practices and oversight, which ultimately allowed the incident to develop and remain undetected for several hours.
Maritime Cook Islands would like to take the elements contained in the Safety Circular below to the attention of all interested stakeholders, with particular focus for management companies and Classification Societies.
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 the Regulatory, Technical & Operations Department of Cook Island at technical@maritimecookislands.com.