1. PURPOSE & SCOPE - Vessel Transit Near Iranian Territorial Waters
This Newsletter aims to inform all interested parties about the publication of Merchant Marine Notice-05/26 by the Panama Maritime Authority. This Notice informs all Panamanian-flagged vessels operating near Iran, Israel, the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz of the security risk due to the recent increase of tensions within the Middle East, which could have a direct impact on vessels and crew.
The Panama Maritime Administration strongly recommends all Panamanian-flagged vessels to take all security measures and avoid transiting through the above areas.
For the full text please follow the link below
2. PURPOSE & SCOPE - Welcome Guidance and Post Registration Requirements
This Newsletter aims to inform all interested parties about the publication of Merchant Marine Circular MMC-407 by the Panama Maritime Authority. This Circular provides guidance to users of Panama Ship Registry regarding the requirements applicable to vessels after their registration under the Panama Ship Registry.
It also aims to keep stakeholders informed of the various instruments adopted by the Republic of Panama concerning the registration of merchant marine vessels and other related matters. Additionally, it provides information on the applicable statutory certificates and those whose issuance has been delegated to Recognized Organizations by the Panama Maritime Authority for this purpose.
For the full text please follow the link below
3. PURPOSE & SCOPE - Panama Flag Precheck Process
This Newsletter aims to inform all interested parties about the publication of Merchant Marine Notice-11/2024 by the Panama Maritime Authority. This Notice informs all our users about the precheck process for a vessel to be eligible to enter the Panama Ship Registry.
The precheck process involves a thorough risk assessment of various aspects related to the vessel, its owner, operator, and/or charterer before applying for the entry into the Panama Ship Registry to ensure that the vessel meets the international standards regarding safety, environmental protection, crew welfare, and to promote cooperation and best practices in the maritime industry; therefore, the Merchant Marine General Directorate will ensure full compliance with national and international regulations in accordance with the legal provisions of Law No. 57 of August 6, 2008.
For the full text please follow the link below
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at technical@phrs.gr. or Panama’s Maritime Ships Security Department at pmaprecheck@amp.gob.pa.
1. SCOPE & PURPOSE
This Newsletter aims to inform all interested parties about the publication of Maritime Circular IMM-133 (26) by the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize. This Circular entered into force on 21 May 2026 and provides information regarding IMMARBE’s intention to commence the issuance of Flag State-related certificates in electronic format (e-certificates) for vessels flying the Belize flag, as well as guidance on their use, acceptance, and verification.
For the full text please follow the link below
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at technical@phrs.gr. or IMMARBE’s Marine Registry at immarbe@immarbe.com.
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 May 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 fighting equipment and appliances - 7110
- Fire-dampers – 7115
- ISM – 15150
- Ventilators, air pipes , casing – 3108
- Nautical publications – 10116
- Fire doors/openings in fire-resisting divisions – 7105
- Emergency source of power - Emergency generator – 4114
- Rescue boats – 11104
- Emergency lighting, batteries and switches – 4103
- Fixed fire extinguishing installation – 7109
- Oil accumulation in engine room – 7126
- Fire pumps and its pipes – 7113
- Closing devides/ Watertight doors – 2101
- Magnetic compass – 10105
- Deck Corrosion – 2117
2. COMMON ROOT CAUSES OF PSC DETENTIONS
PSC inspections indicate that detainable deficiencies often arise from:
- Inadequate maintenance or testing of safety-critical equipment;
- 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 402/26 | Barbados Maritime Ship Registry – Marine Circular 10/2026: Newbuilding Vessel Registrations
1. PURPOSE
This Newsletter aims to inform all interested parties about the publication of Marine Circular: 10/26 by the Barbados Maritime Ship Registry. This Circular provides information on the Barbados Maritime Ship Registry's (BMSR) welcome of newbuilding vessel registrations, outlining the applicable requirements and the practical advantages of choosing Barbados as the flag State during the newbuilding stage.
2. BACKGROUND
The current international maritime environment presents Shipowners and operators with an opportunity to reconsider their flag selection, including during the construction phase of a vessel. BMSR recognizes that the newbuilding stage represents the most practical and administratively straightforward point at which to make a flag State decision, as there is no existing registration to close out, no CSR history to manage, and statutory certification and registration processes can be coordinated well in advance of delivery.
The full list of the BMSR Marine Circulars is available here
For the full text please follow the link below
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at technical@phrs.gr.
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 1 July 2026. Work will continue towards the development of a mandatory MASS Code, with an experience-building phase and possible entry into force in 2032.
The Code introduces a goal-based framework covering, among others, safety, operation, security, remote operation centers, risk assessment, human element considerations, approval processes, certification and survey aspects.
3. AMENDMENTS TO SOLAS CHAPTER V AND HSC CODES — VDES
Amendments to SOLAS Chapter V and the HSC Codes were adopted to allow the installation of the VHF Data Exchange System — VDES as an alternative to AIS. Performance standards for shipborne VDES were also adopted. These amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2028.
VDES is intended to enhance maritime communication and data exchange capability.
4. ESP CODE — REMOTE INSPECTION TECHNIQUES
Amendments to the 2011 ESP Code were adopted in relation to the use of Remote Inspection Techniques — RIT. The amendments include requirements for the certification of firms engaged in close-up surveys of hull structures using RIT. Guidelines on the use of RIT for ESP Code surveys were also approved, with the purpose of ensuring a standardized and safe approach. Entry into force is expected on 1 January 2028.
This development is particularly relevant for surveys where remote inspection technologies may be used as an alternative means of access to support surveyors during close-up surveys and thickness measurements.
5. AMENDMENTS TO THE IP CODE
MSC 111 adopted amendments to the Industrial Personnel Code — IP Code, increasing the assumed mass of each industrial person from 75 kg to 90 kg for stability calculation purposes. These amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2028.
6. AMENDMENTS TO THE LSA CODE AND RESOLUTION MSC.402(96)
Amendments to the LSA Code were adopted in relation to free-fall lifeboats, including requirements for arrangements allowing the release system to be tested under load without launching the lifeboat into the water. Related amendments to Resolution MSC.402(96) were also adopted to include the newly required release system in the scope of thorough examination and operational testing. Entry into force is expected on 1 January 2028.
7. AMENDMENTS TO THE 1988 LOAD LINES PROTOCOL
Amendments to the 1988 Load Lines Protocol were adopted regarding guard rails on exposed decks. The amendments require three-bar guard rails and specify maximum permitted openings below and between the courses of the guard rails. Entry into force is expected on 1 January 2028.
8. IGC CODE AND IGF CODE DEVELOPMENTS
Draft amendments to the IGC Code were approved, covering matters such as filling limits, use of cargo other than LNG as fuel, and special requirements for carbon dioxide. These amendments are expected to be adopted at MSC 112 and to enter into force on 1 July 2028.
MSC 111 also approved amendments to the IGF Code and associated amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-1, clarifying the application of the IGF Code and aligning definitions related to gaseous fuels, gas fuels and low-flashpoint fuels. These amendments are also expected to enter into force on 1 July 2028.
9. ALTERNATIVE FUELS AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES
MSC 111 continued its work on the safety regulatory framework supporting the use of alternative fuels and new technologies for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships.
The Committee approved or progressed work on several safety-related guidelines, including:
- interim guidelines for ships using hydrogen as fuel;
- interim guidelines for the use of ammonia cargo as fuel;
- revised interim recommendations for the carriage of liquefied hydrogen in bulk;
- future requirements for onboard carbon capture and storage systems;
- future requirements for lithium-ion battery installations;
- future interim guidelines for wind propulsion and wind-assisted power.
These developments show the IMO’s continued focus on ensuring that decarbonisation technologies are supported by an appropriate safety framework.
10. TRAINING GUIDELINES FOR ALTERNATIVE FUELS
MSC 111 approved training guidelines for seafarers serving on ships using methyl/ethyl alcohols as fuel and ships using ammonia as fuel.
These guidelines are expected to support the safe operation of ships using alternative fuels and to assist Administrations, shipowners and training providers in preparing relevant training arrangements.
11. CYBERSECURITY STANDARDS
The Committee considered the development of new cybersecurity standards for ships and port facilities. A non-mandatory cybersecurity code is expected to be developed, based on goal-based requirements and risk management principles.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at technical@phrs.gr.
Meet us at Posidonia 2026!
We are delighted to invite you to visit Phoenix Register of Shipping (PHRS) at Posidonia 2026 — the world's premier international maritime exhibition — taking place in Athens, Greece.
The organisers have secured additional parking spaces at Air Point and GuardPark private parking areas, before the airport, from Tuesday, 2/6 to Thursday, 4/6.
The parking spaces reserved for Posidonia will be clearly marked and will be serviced by continuous shuttle bus transfers provided by the organisers.
Visit the online parking slot booking platforms for Airpoint and Guard Park to pre-book your slot for each day.
Plan your Visit:
We look forward to welcoming you to our stand and to an inspiring exchange of ideas. Should you wish to schedule a dedicated meeting with our team during the exhibition, please do not hesitate to reach out at mail@phrs.gr.
We hope to see you there!
This Newsletter aims to inform all interested parties about the publication of Marine Advisory: 12/26 and Marine Advisory: 13/26 by the Liberia Maritime Authority.
1. SCOPE & PURPOSE: MARINE ADVISORY 12/26
The purpose of this Marine Advisory is to reinforce Safety Management System (SMS) requirements and operational controls related to the prevention of fatalities and serious illness associated with the consumption of alcohol, unknown or unverified liquids, and substances not intended for human consumption aboard Liberian-flagged vessels.
Recent incidents demonstrate that consumption of alcohol or unidentified substances, particularly those obtained from uncontrolled sources or involving high concentration ethyl alcohol products, can result in rapid deterioration of crew health and fatal outcomes despite onboard medical assistance.
This Advisory highlights regulatory obligations, identifies recurring safety deficiencies, summarizes recent casualty cases, and outlines required preventive actions.
For the full text please follow the link bellow.
2. SCOPE & PURPOSE: MARINE ADVISORY 13/26
The purpose of this Marine Advisory is to reinforce mandatory safety, welfare, and operational controls related to the prevention of:
• Crew suicides
• Missing persons / Man Over Board (MOB) incidents
• Unexplained personnel disappearances onboard or at sea
Recent casualty data indicates continued fatalities related to deliberate acts (suicide) and missing personnel, often involving delayed detection and inadequate crew accountability.
These incidents highlight the importance of:
• Effective crew welfare and mental health management
• Robust watchkeeping and accountability systems
• Early recognition of behavioral and psychological risk indicators
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 Liberia’s Investigations Department at investigations@liscr.com.
1. SCOPE & PURPOSE
This Newsletter aims to inform all interested parties about the publication of Marine Advisory: 10/26 by the Liberia Maritime Authority. The Administration has identified recurring deficiencies related to Seafarer Employment Agreements (SEAs), wage payments, and financial transparency, which are core requirements under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006, as amended).
Recent Port State Control (PSC) inspections have resulted in increased deficiencies and detentions associated with:
- Invalid or improperly executed SEAs
- Wage discrepancies and delayed payments
- Non-transparent payroll practices
This CIC aims to verify compliance with MLC Title 2 (Conditions of Employment) and ensure that seafarers’ contractual and financial rights are fully protected.
Questionnaire for the 2026 CIC on MLC Compliance – SEAs and Wages
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 Liberia’s Fleet Prevention Department at prevention@liscr.com.
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 detention
- Assist vessel operators in preparing for Port State Control (PSC) inspections
This Advisory is intended as guidance only, to support compliance readiness and does not replace any statutory requirements.
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.
1. Purpose
This Newsletter is issued to inform PHRS Surveyors, Auditors, Head Office personnel and interested stakeholders of the main outcomes of the 84th session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee, MEPC 84, held at IMO Headquarters in London from 27 April to 1 May 2026. MEPC 84 addressed several important environmental and regulatory matters, including greenhouse gas reduction measures, energy efficiency, ballast water management, air pollution prevention, marine plastic litter, underwater radiated noise, oil pollution prevention and protected sea areas.
2. IMO Net-Zero Framework and GHG Reduction Measures
MEPC 84 continued discussions on the IMO Net-Zero Framework and the development of mid-term greenhouse gas reduction measures. However, no final agreement was reached at this stage, as Member States continued to hold different views on the way forward, including whether the framework should be adopted with limited changes or further adjusted to reflect market readiness and fuel availability.
Discussions will continue through two intersessional working groups on GHG reduction before MEPC 85. MEPC 85 is tentatively scheduled for 30 November to 3 December 2026, while the resumed MEPC ES.2 is planned for 4 December 2026, subject to further discussion.
MEPC 84 also completed the terms of reference for the Fifth IMO GHG Study, which is expected to support the review of the IMO GHG Reduction Strategy in 2028.
3. Review of Short-Term GHG Measures — EEXI, CII and SEEMP
MEPC 84 continued the review of the IMO short-term GHG reduction measures, including EEXI, CII and SEEMP. The Committee adopted amendments to the EEDI calculation and survey/certification guidelines in order to better address dual-fuel ships. It was also clarified that, for the time being, the existing CII calculation methodology remains unchanged, using supply-based transport work as the basis for calculating attained annual operational CII.
Further discussions were held on strengthening SEEMP requirements, including the possible introduction of regular internal reviews, continuous improvement arrangements, clearer accountability, stronger audit arrangements and an Energy Efficiency Implementation Log. This work was not finalized and will continue at a future session.
Proposals related to a CII metric for adverse weather and a revised metric for cruise passenger ships were also discussed but were not agreed at this stage.
4. Ballast Water Management
MEPC 84 approved draft amendments to the Ballast Water Management Convention. The amendments place stronger emphasis on the actual performance, maintenance and operation of Ballast Water Management Systems, rather than only their installation and type approval.
In practice, shipowners and operators will need to demonstrate that BWMS are properly maintained, functioning effectively and achieving the D-2 discharge standard. Surveyors and Port State Control are expected to focus more closely on maintenance records, alarms, failures, corrective actions and crew familiarization.
The amendments also introduce requirements concerning updated and controlled Ballast Water Management Plans, BWMS maintenance records, reporting of failures, repair planning, and active substance controls. The amendments are expected to be adopted at MEPC 85, with an anticipated entry into force in May 2028. MEPC 84 also adopted MEPC.409(84) — 2026 Guidelines for Ballast Water Management and development of Ballast Water Management Plans (G4).
5. MARPOL Annex VI and Air Pollution Prevention
MEPC 84 adopted amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, including the designation of the North-East Atlantic as an Emission Control Area (ECA) for nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and particulate matter. The new ECA covers areas including Greenland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, the western coasts of the United Kingdom and Ireland, and extends southwards towards Spain and Portugal.
For SOx requirements, ships operating in the area will be required to use fuel oil with sulphur content not exceeding 0.10% m/m from 1 September 2028. NOx Tier III requirements will apply to ships constructed according to the relevant dates specified in the adopted amendments.
Further amendments were also adopted to align MARPOL Annex VI with the NOx Technical Code regarding the use of multiple engine operational profiles for marine diesel engines.
6. IMO DCS, Fuel Consumption Data and Transparency
MEPC 84 considered developments related to the IMO Data Collection System. Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI will enhance access to fuel oil consumption data, including access by Administrations and Recognized Organizations to data for their ships, and wider access to anonymized data for analysis and transparency purposes. These amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 September 2027.
7. Methane, Nitrous Oxide and Emission Measurement Guidelines
MEPC 84 adopted new guidelines related to the measurement and monitoring of methane and nitrous oxide emissions from marine diesel engines. These include guidelines for test-bed and onboard measurements, engine load monitoring and continuous emission monitoring systems. The guidelines are intended to support more accurate and verifiable assessment of tank-to-wake emissions, particularly in the context of alternative fuels and future GHG frameworks.
8. Marine Plastic Litter from Ships
MEPC 84 adopted the 2026 Strategy and Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships. The Committee also agreed that further work should continue on the development of a mandatory code for the maritime transport of plastic pellets in freight containers, together with possible amendments to MARPOL Annex III and/or SOLAS. Further work will also continue on fishing gear marking systems, voluntary reporting of lost or discharged fishing gear, and data collection on waste generated by ships during normal operations.
9. Underwater Radiated Noise
MEPC 84 continued its work on underwater radiated noise from ships, recognizing the potential impact of commercial shipping noise on marine life, particularly marine mammals. The Committee agreed in principle to extend the experience-building phase for the reduction of underwater radiated noise until 2028. It also approved MEPC.1/Circ.924, providing technical guidance on co-optimizing energy efficiency and underwater radiated noise at the design and retrofit stage.
10. Oil Pollution Prevention and Protected Areas
MEPC 84 approved the development of a new MARPOL Annex I regulation permitting the use of integrated bilge water treatment systems, together with supporting guidance. The Committee also agreed to the new Nasca Ridge, Peru, Particularly Sensitive Sea Area associated protective measure, and considered further proposals relating to an Arabian Sea PSSA and a Nasca Ridge MARPOL Special Area.
11. PHRS Follow-Up
PHRS will continue to monitor the outcome of MEPC 84 and any subsequent developments at MEPC 85 and related IMO working groups. The adopted and approved amendments, guidelines and future work items will be reviewed to identify any impact on PHRS Rules, procedures, survey instructions, checklists, forms, certification activities and training material.
Further guidance will be issued, as necessary, following publication of the relevant IMO resolutions, circulars and implementation instructions.