Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels Effective Dates: 1/11/2025   The Maritime Cook Islands (MCI) has announced that, effective 1 November 2025, a “Fit and Proper Person” process will be implemented for all applicants seeking Cook Islands maritime documents, in accordance with the Maritime Transport Act 2008.   This process applies to all applicants for CoCs, CoPs, Endorsement of Recognition Certificates, and Seaman’s Discharge Books.   All applications for these documents must include: •   Fully completed, signed, and dated Fit and Proper Person process •   Police Report   More details and forms are available below:…

Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels Effective Dates: 24/09/2025    The Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has issued a new Port State Control (PSC) Implementation Regulation applying to all foreign-flagged ships calling at or anchoring in Turkish ports.   Detentions & Bans: Unauthorized departure or failure to reach repair yard → 6-month ban. 3 detentions in 36 months → 12-month ban; further detention → 24-month ban. Two bans + new detention → permanent ban. Regional MoU bans also apply; black-listed/substandard flags may be restricted. Appeals: Must be lodged within 1 month; detention remains in force…

Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels. Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) has published Merchant Marine Circular MMC-404, with updated measures aiming to reduce detentions and ensure better performance under PSC regimes. This new circular unifies MMC-381, MMC-393, MMC-398, MMC-402, which from now on are considered obsolete.  Panama flag stakeholders shall be informed of updated measures aimed at improving the performance and compliance of Panamanian-flagged vessels during Port State Control (PSC) inspections of ships calling ports under USCG, Paris MoU, AMSA, or China MSA jurisdiction.   Key Updates A dedicated Pre-Arrival Checklist has been developed to help identify weak…

Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels Action Date: Immediate   We are pleased to announce that the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMARAD) has included PHRS on the List of Authorized Recognized Organizations (ROs) via Maritime Circular No.3. This development strengthens PHRS’s global network of authorizations, offering our clients more options for compliance with international conventions. Ship-owners and operators flying the Sierra Leone flag can now rely on PHRS for statutory surveys, certifications, and approvals. At PHRS, we remain committed to providing reliable, efficient, and customer-focused classification and statutory services. Our recognition by Sierra Leone is…

Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels Action Date: 01/09/2025 In a shared press release, the member Authorities of the Tokyo and the Paris Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control will launch a joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Ballast Water Management. The purpose of the campaign is to determine if ships meet the mandatory requirements for Ballast Water Management (BWM) as prescribed in the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (BWM Convention). This 2025 campaign has been initiated in order to promote the effective and…