1. SCOPE
This Newsletter aims to inform all interested parties about the publication of Marine Advisory: 18/2023-Rev.1 by the Liberia Maritime Authority. The purpose of this Marine Advisory is to provide information regarding the interim guidance on the use of biofuels for fuel oil consumption data and operational carbon intensity calculations which was approved by the Committee at MEPC 80.
The 2022 Guidelines on operational carbon intensity indicators and the calculation methods (resolution MEPC.352(78) CII guidelines, G1) provide the possibility for the CO2 Emission Conversion Factor (Cf) to be obtained from the fuel oil supplier, supported by documentary, in case the fuel oil is not covered by the relevant guidelines.
2. REQUIREMENTS
Pending the development of the comprehensive method to account for well-to-wake GHG emissions and removals based on the IMO Guidelines on Life Cycle GHG Intensity of Marine Fuels (LCA), biofuels that have been certified by an International certification scheme, such as ICAO’s CORSIA approved sustainability certification schemes or other International certification schemes acceptable to the Administration, meeting the sustainability criteria and the conditions below are eligible for a reduced Cf:
- Biofuels that provide well-to-wake GHG emission reduction of at least 65% as compared to well-to-wake emissions of fossil MGO;
- Achieving emission intensity not exceeding 33gCO2eq/MJ;
- Proof of sustainability or equivalent documentation from a recognized scheme should be provided along with the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) to facilitate verification of the reported biofuel consumption.
3. CALCULATION AND ASSIGNMENT OF CARBON CONVERSION FACTOR (CF) FOR BIOFUELS
The assigned Cf is equal to the value of the well-to-wake GHG emissions of the fuel according to the certificate (expressed in gCO2eq/MJ) multiplied by its lower calorific value (LCV, expressed in MJ/g) for the corresponding amount of fuels consumed by the ship. In any case, the Cf value of a biofuel cannot be less than 0. For biofuel blends, the Cf should be based on the weighted average of the Cf for the respective amount of fuels by energy. The revised interim Guidance in MEPC.1/Circ.905/Rev.1 introduces a change in the calculation of the carbon conversion factor (Cf) for biofuel blends from energy-weighted to mass-weighted averaging. This corrects a methodological inconsistency and may affect CII calculations for ships using blended fuels.
The revised guidance applies from 1 January 2027, and will require verification of supporting documentation accordingly.
However, Biofuels that are not certified as ‘sustainable’ or not fulfilling the well-to-wake emission factor criterion above should be assigned a Cf equivalent to Cf of fossil fuel type.
PhRS Note: Any existing SEEMP Part II that includes a calculation method for the conversion factor of biofuel blends in accordance with MEPC.1/Circ.905 should be revised to reflect MEPC.1/Circ.905/Rev.1. The revised SEEMP Part II should be submitted to PhRS for review as soon as possible to ensure issuance of the new Confirmation of Compliance by 31 December 2026.
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 Liberia’s Regulations and Standards Department at RegsAndStandards@liscr.com.
NL 413/26 | SKAN - Extended Implementation Of Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on MLC 2006
1. SCOPE
This Newsletter aims to inform all interested parties about the publication of Maritime Circular – MC 156 26 by the Saint Kitts and Nevis (SKAN) International Ship Registry. Following the successful launch of our initial MLC inspection initiative, the Technical Department is formalizing an extended Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC). This phase moves beyond surface-level documentation to a rigorous assessment of operational compliance.
This campaign is mandatory for all vessels undergoing Flag State Inspection (FSI) effective as of July 6th, 2026.
2. APPLICABILITY
This Maritime Circular is applicable to all shipowners, managers, operators, crew agencies crew members, masters, recognized organization and Flag State Inspectors (FSI), interacting with our fleet, It governs vessels registered under the St Kitts & Nevis International Ship Registry that are subject to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 compliance mandates.
3. LEGAL REFERENCES AND FRAMEWORK
This Circular shall be read in conjunction with:
- Code for Recognized Organizations, IMO Resolution MSC.349(92)
- IMO Instruments of Implementation Code, IMO Resolution A.1070(28)
- ISM Code
- ISPS Code
- MLC Code
- The St. Kitts and Nevis Merchant Shipping Act
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 St. Kitts and Nevis Registry at FSI@skanregistry.com & Technical@SkanRegistry.com.
NL 412/26 | 2026 joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) by the Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU on Cargo Securing
1. SCOPE
This newsletter informs ship-owners, managers, Masters, surveyors, and other maritime stakeholders about the upcoming 2026 Paris MoU–Tokyo MoU Concentrated Inspection Campaign on Cargo Securing, scheduled from 1 September to 30 November 2026, with the purpose is to provide early awareness and practical preparation guidance before the official CIC questionnaire is published. It aims to help companies and vessels identify potential deficiencies, verify compliance, improve crew readiness, and reduce the risk of PSC findings or detention during the campaign.
2. PURPOSE OF THE JOINT CIC
The 2026 joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) by the Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU will focus on Cargo Securing will run from September 1 to November 30, 2026.
While the exact pre-defined questionnaire will be officially released later this summer prior to the start of the campaign, Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) are expected to verify compliance based on SOLAS Chapters VI and VII, and the IMO CSS Code.
Because this campaign will add specific cargo securing questions to standard PSC inspections, ship-operators and Masters should actively prepare well ahead of time. Based on the framework of similar past PSC Concentrated Inspection Campaigns, the questionnaire will likely evaluate the following core areas:
- Cargo Securing Manual (CSM): PSCOs will verify that the vessel carries a flag-State approved, vessel- specific manual covering all types of cargo carried
- Equipment Condition: Checking the physical condition and certification of lashing gear, twistlocks, securing points, and associated hardware.
- Documentation & Calculation: Ensuring the crew can properly utilize cargo securing calculations and approved software to assess lashing requirements.
- Crew Familiarity and awareness: Drills or interviews to verify that the master and assigned crew understand cargo securing procedures and emergency operations.
- ISM Code Implementation: Cross-referencing cargo securing practices with the vessel's Safety Management System (SMS) to ensure standard operating procedures are followed.
3. AFFECTED VESSELS
Which vessels are affected (no matter if they may be in ballast condition during the CIC)
- Container vessels — twist locks, lashing rods, and bridge fittings under close scrutiny
- General cargo and multipurpose vessels — heavy lifts, project cargo, and break-bulk securing
- Ro-Ro and vehicle carriers — vehicle lashings, deck securing points, and trailer stowage
- Bulk carriers carrying steel, pipes, or unitized cargo on deck or in holds
- Heavy-lift and offshore vessels with specialized securing arrangements
Upon the publication of the official information about the CIC and the release of relevant campaign questionnaire by the Paris and Tokyo MOUs, it will be then communicated to stakeholders by PhRS.
PhRS remains actively supportive with stakeholders, ship-owner, managers to further explain the CIC questions, their relation to the ISM Code and current PSC topics and provide practical guidance on preparing for inspections.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at technical@phrs.gr
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.
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Key Regulatory Changes: Previous vs. Latest MMC-269 |
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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. |
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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.