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 June 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
- Fire doors/openings in fire-resisting divisions – 7105
- Nautical Publications – 10116
- 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
- Magnetic compass – 10105
- Fire Detection – 07106
- Closing devides/ Watertight doors – 2101
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- Incomplete, inaccurate, or outdated documentation and records.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 410/26 | Annual Report 2025 - Paris Mou On Port State Control, Including Performance Lists
1. PURPOSE & SCOPE
Please find attached, for your information, the Press Release from the Secretariat of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (Paris MoU) regarding the publication of the annual report on Port State Control for the year 2025, which was posted on 30 June 2026 on the Paris MoU website (www.parismou.org) and can be accessed at the following link: https://parismou.org/2026/07/2025-paris-mou-annual-report-port-state-control-progress-and-performance-highlights-paris
The above annual report includes the list of Flag States and Recognized Organizations (ROs) performance for 2025. According to the ROs Performance List of the Paris MoU Secretariat, PHRS is included for the current year at the top of the list of ROs in the Medium Performing level, marginally lower than High Performing ROs (IACS), confirming its stable presence among the quality ROs and its high level of compliance with international safety and quality standards.
It is noted that the White List, the Grey List and the Black List Flags of the current year, which will enter into force on 1 July 2026, are used to calculate the risk profile of ships entering the Paris MoU regional agreement. The list in question includes a total of sixty-nine (69) Flag States without recording significant differences in the distribution of States in its individual categories.
It is noted that for the year 2025, the White List includes forty (40) Flag States, the Grey List includes nineteen (19) States, while the Black List includes ten (10) Flag States, respectively.
Similarly, from 1 July 2026, the new performance table of Recognized Organizations will come into force, which includes total of thirty-one (31) ROs into three categorizations: High Performance, Medium Performance and Low Performance.
The results from these performance lists will be applied to Ship Risk Profile calculations starting 1 July 2026.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at technical@phrs.gr.
NL 409/26 | Panama Maritime Authority - Revisions to Panama Flag MLC Certification Process (MMC-269)
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) |
New Requirements (June 2026 Revision) |
|
Application Platform |
DMLC Part I requested through a generic web link [http://certificates.amp.gob.pa/certificates ] |
Transitioned to the new SEGUMAR 2.0 digital platform, optimized for online requests. |
|
Service Window |
Handled regionally by selected Segumar Offices. |
Upgraded to a global 24/7 service coverage window by leveraging the international Segumar network across time zones. |
|
DMLC Part I Re-issuance |
Required if the vessel changed its name, Gross Tonnage (GT), Recognized Organization (RO), ship-owner, or vessel type. |
Significantly relaxed. Re-issuance is only mandatory for changes to the vessel's name or Gross Tonnage (GT). Changes to the ship-owner or operator no longer trigger a DMLC Part I reissue. |
|
Reference Circulars (ROs & Advanced Surveys) |
* List of authorized ROs referenced MMC-255. * Advanced inspections without RO change referenced MMC-159. * Advanced inspections with RO change referenced MMC-309. |
* List of authorized ROs updated to MMC-136. * Adanced inspections without RO change updated to MMC-324. * Advanced inspections with RO change updated to MMC-307. |
|
Interim Certificate Issuance |
Broadly permitted interim certificates for up to 6 months. |
An Interim MLC Certificate may now only be issued for delivery of new ships, flag changes, or when a ship-owner assumes management of a vessel new to their fleet. |
|
Deficiencies & PSC Detentions |
Broad instructions on handling PSC detentions and requesting additional audits. |
Strict handling framework introduced. Detailed records must be kept. Serious or frequent deficiencies can lead to withdrawal of the MLC Certificate. Conditional certificates require the submission of specific documents (RO report, DMLC Part II, financial securities). |
|
PSC Reporting |
Operators coordinated via standard email chains. |
In case of PSC detention, operators must explicitly submit Form F-27 (Correction of Deficiencies Reports) directly to psc@amp.gob.pa . |
|
Exemptions for Additional Audits |
No authorization needed for additional audits due to changes in name, GT, operator name, or operator physical address. |
Expanded the exemption list to include the ISM annual verification. Authorization is no longer required for additional audits in this scenario. |
2. ACTION ITMES FOR SHIP-OWNERS AND OPERATORS
- Utilize SEGUMAR 2.0: Ensure your operations team is registered and trained on the new platform for all future DMLC Part I electronic requests. This function is also undertaken by PhRS team. Please retain contact with any PhRS Office.
- Review RO Transfer Protocols: If you are transitioning between Recognized Organizations or shifting advanced survey windows, ensure your teams reference the newly updated cross-circulars (MMC-136, MMC-307, and MMC-324) to prevent procedural gaps.
- Rigorous Deficiencies Log: Given the PMA's heightened stance on certificate withdrawal for repeated non-compliance, vessel managers must enforce immediate reporting of deficiencies to Segumar and follow the strict Form F-27 protocol if detained.
PhRS team is standing by to help you stay current and updated and to ensure smooth, uninterrupted compliance for your fleet.
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. PURPOSE & SCOPE
This Newsletter aims to inform all interested parties about the publication of Ship Security Advisory: 218.1 by the Palau Ship Registry. This Ship Security Advisory (SSA), effective immediately, should be circulated to all vessels flagged under the Republic of Palau, which operate in or intend to transit the Gulf of Oman (GoO), Strait of Hormuz (SoH), Red Sea, Babel-Mandeb (BeM), Gulf of Aden (GoA), Middle East Gulf (MEG), or Northern Arabian Sea.
2. OVERVIEW
Risks of attacks against commercial shipping remain high in the below areas:
- Gulf of Oman;
- Strait of Hormuz (SoH);
- North Arabian Sea;
- Arabian/Persian Gulf;
- Red Sea, Bab-el-Mandeb (BeM); and
- Gulf of Aden (GoA).
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. PURPOSE & SCOPE - KEY DETAINABLE DEFICIENCIES FOR PANAMA - FLAGGED VESSELS UNDER ITALY PORT STATE CONTROL (PSC) INSPECTIONS – 2025
Panama flag has published a new Merchant Marine Notice No. MMN-13, aiming to notify stakeholders and parties concerned of the most frequent detainable deficiencies identified during Port State Control (PSC) inspections on Panamanian-flagged vessels within Italy jurisdictional waters (Paris MoU) during 2025, with the objective of mitigating detention risk, enhancing vessel safety, and maintaining the high-performance standing of the Panama Ship Registry.
The Panama Maritime Authority expects all Panamanian-flagged vessels to ensure full and continuous compliance with these standards. Failure to do so may result in detentions, major deficiencies, operational restrictions, and adverse impacts on the vessel’s operational status and the overall performance of the Panama Registry.
For the full text please follow the link below
2. PURPOSE & SCOPE - REINFORCEMENT OF ANTI-CORRUPTION REPORTING MECHANISMS IN PORTS
Panama flag has published a new Merchant Marine Notice No. 12, for the purpose of:
- Promote awareness and reporting of any corruption or undue pressure in ports, in line with national policy and international commitments.
- Reinforce the reporting mechanisms available to Panamanian flagged vessels and maritime stakeholders.
- Remind shipowners, operators, Masters, and crew members of the applicable anti-corruption policies and reporting procedures established by the Panama Maritime Authority.
For the full text please follow the link below
3. PURPOSE & SCOPE - APPEAL PROCEDURES ON PORT STATE CONTROL (PSC) INSPECTIONS
Panama flag has published a new Merchant Marine Notice No. MMN-11 for the purposes of:
- encouraging Panamanian flagged vessels, particularly those with good performance records and strong inspection history, to exercise their right of appeal when deficiencies or detentions issued during Port State Control (PSC) inspections are considered unjustified.
- Reinforce the importance of early engagement with the Flag Administration to ensure proper handling of appeals in a confidential and professional manner.
- Remind stakeholders of the applicable procedures under Merchant Marine Circular MMC-384 – Appeal Procedures.
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 at Panama’s email at psc@amp.gob.pa.
NL 406/26 | PHRS Granted Case-by-Case Authorization by the Vanuatu International Shipping Registry
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 Vanuatu Flag, while ensuring that each request is reviewed and handled in accordance with the applicable requirements and instructions of the Vanuatu International Shipping Registry.
PHRS remains committed to maintaining high standards of technical performance, regulatory compliance and service quality across all areas of statutory certification, survey and audit activities.
Clients and associates wishing to explore services for Vanuatu-flagged vessels, or vessels intended to be registered under the Vanuatu Flag, are invited to contact PHRS for further guidance and coordination.
For any relevant inquiry, please contact:
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.