Panama Ship Registry introduced measures to strengthen the Port State Inspection program
Emphasis is placed on vessels that are eligible for control by the US Coast Guard.
To improve control, supervision and the percentage of compliance of the fleet that makes up the Panama Ship Registry, the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) through the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine (DGGM), introduced measures to reinforce the flag inspection program, emphasizing ships calling at US ports and eligible for a Port State Inspection (PSC) by the US Coast Guard (USCG).
This decision is also part of its commitment to ensure compliance with safety, protection and environmental regulations, encouraging and promoting a better maritime industry. In addition, the AMP indicated that monitoring is being reinforced in the Registry of those vessels that present deficiencies and detentions through the regional supervision regimes by the Port State.
He also reported that a series of actions have been implemented aimed at making the fleet part of the US Coast Guard’s Qualiship 21 program, where at the end of July an average of 98.97 compliance was recorded for the last 3 years. %, among which the following stand out:
• A flag inspection mechanism is established for ships arriving at US ports, based on risk factor.
• Merchant Marine Notice – MMN-08/2022, where it is reported that, as of August 1, 2022, the special flag inspection program will begin for ships that arrive at US ports and whose history makes them candidates for a Port State Survey (PSC) by the USCG.
• Merchant Marine Circular – MMC 381, where the checklist prior to arrival at US ports is implemented for Panama-flagged ships, to facilitate shipowners, operators, technical managers, designated persons in (DPA) and the Captain of the ship to find weak elements that can be a reason for detention through PSC inspections by the US Coast Guard.
• Merchant Marine Notice MMN-14/2021, where it is reported that all vessels flying the Panamanian flag that transit or visit ports in Panama before calling at the US may be subject to a special Security Inspection (ASI), in order to avoid possible arrest.
