Refers to: Ship Managers / Owners of Panamanian flagged vessels, Clients, PHRS Surveyors / RepresentativesAction Date: Immediate   Dear all, Kindly note that the purpose of subject newsletter is to inform all interested parties, that according to Merchant Marine Circular MMC-348 ( which can be found here for your reference), our Organization has been authorized by Panama Maritime Authority, to issue the Provisional Certificate regarding the International Ballast Water Management Convention, 2004.   For any more information/ clarifications regarding a/m issue, please do not hesitate to contact us.   March 27th, 2017 - PHRS Head Office  

Refers to: Ship Owners / Operators, PH.R.S. Representatives Action Date: July 1st 2016 What are the new rules? On 1 July 2016, new requirements to verify the gross mass of a packed container enter into force under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). Why have the requirements for verification of the gross mass of the container been introduced? Knowing the accurate gross mass of a packed container is critical to ensure correct stowage and stacking and avoid collapse of container stacks or loss overboard. This is an important safety measure, which is aimed at saving…

Refers to: All SOLAS – certified vesselsAction Date: July 1st 2016   New regulation aimed at protecting seafarers who need to enter enclosed spaces, by requiring ships to carry portable atmosphere testing equipment on board, enters into force on 1 July 2016. Seafarers may be called upon to enter enclosed spaces on ships to manage or obtain equipment, assist a colleague or to inspect vital engine parts. Enclosed spaces are spaces that have limited openings for entry and exit, inadequate ventilation and are not designed for continuous worker occupancy. The atmosphere in any enclosed space may be oxygen-deficient or oxygen-enriched…

Refers to: Ship Managers / Owners, PHRS Surveyors / RepresentativesVessel Type: All VesselsAction Date: 1 Sept. 2016 - 30 Nov. 2016 The Caribbean MOU on Port State Control (CMOU) has announced a concentrated inspection campaign (CIC) on crew familiarisation for enclosed space entry. The CIC will run from 1 September 2016 to 30 November 2016. The aims of the campaign are to ensure compliance with the applicable requirements of the SOLAS, STCW, MLC and ILO Conventions; ensure that masters, officers and crew members are familiar with relevant equipment and have received training in carrying out their duties; raise safety awareness…