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…

Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels Action Date: 06/08/2025 Panama Maritime Authority, via Merchant Marine Circular 217 (available here) has restructured its requirements for Ship-to-Ship (STS) transfer operations involving Panama-flagged oil tankers ≥150 GT, in response to growing concerns about illegal transhipments. All relevant oil tankers must carry an approved STS Operations Plan on board. Plans must follow IMO and industry guidelines and be updated to include flag-state notification requirements. Effective 6 August 2025, oil tankers must notify the Panama Flag State of STS operations at least 48 hours in advance via the E-Segumar Platform.…

Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels Action Date: Immediate This newsletter provides a concise overview of the 110th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 110), held from 18 to 27 June 2025. Key outcomes included the adoption of SOLAS amendments to enhance the safety of pilot and personnel transfer arrangements, as well as substantial progress on the development of a non-mandatory Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS Code). The Committee also completed a review of regulatory safety barriers related to alternative fuels and new technologies, initiating measures to address these challenges…