1. PURPOSE & SCOPE   The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) has issued a complete revision of Merchant Marine Circular MMC-269, streamlining and restructuring the guidelines for the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006) certification process. PhRS as a Recognized Organization by Panama flag, we provide the key changes introduced by the new revision (June 2026). To ensure your fleet remains fully compliant and avoids costly disruptions or Port State Control (PSC) detentions, we have compiled a concrete comparison of the major structural and requirement changes below.   Key Regulatory Changes: Previous vs. Latest MMC-269 Regulatory Area Previous Requirements (Older MMC-269)…

Phoenix Register of Shipping S.A. (PHRS) is pleased to inform its clients, associates and international survey network that PHRS has been granted case-by-case authorization by the Vanuatu International Shipping Registry (VISR). Under this arrangement, PHRS may provide statutory certification and related services for Vanuatu-flagged vessels, subject to the prior authorization of the Vanuatu Administration on a case-by-case basis. This development further supports PHRS’ continuous efforts to expand its cooperation with reputable Flag Administrations and to provide efficient, reliable and internationally aligned services to ship-owners, managers and operators worldwide. The case-by-case authorization arrangement enables PHRS to support clients interested in the…

1. SUMMARY OF KEY OUTCOMES The 111st session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee — MSC 111 — was held at IMO Headquarters in London from 13 to 22 May 2026. The Committee considered and adopted a number of important matters related to maritime safety, new technologies, alternative fuels, autonomous ships, life-saving appliances, ship stability and future regulatory developments. This Newsletter provides a brief summary of the main outcomes considered relevant.   2. MARITIME AUTONOMOUS SURFACE SHIPS — MASS CODE MSC 111 adopted the non-mandatory International Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships — MASS Code, expected to become effective from…

   SCOPE & PURPOSE   This Newsletter aims to inform shipowners, operators, Designated Persons Ashore (DPAs), Superintendents, Masters and crew of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) National Compliance Plan 2025-26 about the issuance of Marine Advisory: 09/2026 by the Liberia Maritime Authority. This advisory is issued to assist Liberian-flag vessels and their operators with the preparation of the vessel to meet the AMSA compliance Plan requirements prior to arriving Australian ports. The Advisory: Summarizes AMSA’s compliance strategy and priority risk areas relevant to foreign‑flagged vessels trading to Australia Highlights inspection trends and enforcement focus that may lead to deficiencies or…

  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…