Panama implements new screening process for vessels joining its registry

As announced, 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.

According to the PMA, a key benefit of Precheck is its ability to prevent “flag-hopping”, a practice where vessels jump from one registry to another to avoid compliance, evade sanctions, or engage in illicit activities.

The precheck will apply to:

• Any vessel that requests to enter the Panama Ship Registry, in any of its flag registry modalities. 
• When a registered vessel, in international service, requests a change of owner, or charterer. 

For those vessels already registered in Panama and requesting only a change in the vessel’s name or operator, a precheck will not be necessary. The precheck must be requested by a Panamanian Law Firm or by a Panama Merchant Marine Consulate, prior to the registration and will be valid for fifteen (15) calendar days.

All requests must be sent to [email protected] indicating the following information: 

1. Vessel’s IMO number
2. Previous registry of the vessel (not apply for new construction)
3. Current vessel’s owner (not apply for new construction). 
4. Intended owner under Panama flag and IMO registered owner identification number. 
5. Economic group.
6. Current Operator (Company responsible of the operation of the vessel), not apply for new construction. 
7. Intended Operator under Panama flag (Company responsible of the operation of the vessel) and IMO company identification number. 
8. Vessel Charterer’s name (in case of bareboat charter registration). 
9. Keel laying date (in the absence of this date, please provide the delivery date):
10. Ballast Water Management Method used: D2, D4 or Other Approach (in case of vessels subject to IBWM Convention).

For those vessels that an IMO Number is not applicable the following information must be submitted:

1. Vessel´s name 
2. Previous registry of the vessel (not apply for new construction) 
3. Current vessel’s owner (not apply for new construction)
4. Intended owner under Panama flag and Registered Owner(s) Number. 
5. Economic group 
6. Current Operator (Company responsible of the operation of the vessel), not apply for new construction 
7. Intended Operator under Panama flag (Company responsible of the operation of the vessel) and Company Identification Number.
8. Vessel Charterer’s name (in case of bareboat charter registration) 
9. Keel laying date (in the absence of this date, please provide the delivery date)
10. Ballast Water Management Method used: D2, D4 or Other Approach (in case of vessels subject to IBWM Convention) 

Ramón Franco, Director General of the Merchant Marine, PMA, clarified that Precheck does not grant automatic entry into the Panama Ship Registry, nor does it serve as a pre-evaluation of registration requirements.

Furthermore, the Panama Ship Registry reserves the right to request additional information or documentation as part of the Precheck review. Once the evaluation is complete, the PMA will either approve or reject the request.

We maintain a zero-tolerance policy against any attempt to misuse the Panamanian registry. Panama is not a haven for penalty evasion. Our focus is on attracting young, newly built vessels that adhere to international regulations.

…said Ramón Franco.