The Panama Maritime Authority informs that ship-owners and ship-operators are able to upload the Ship’s BWMP online, from March 15, 2017. The BWMP will be approved electronically and electronic copy should be placed on board, and available for inspection at all times.
The Republic of Panama submitted to the Secretary General of the IMO the accession of the Ballast Water Management Convention 2004, on 19 October 2016. The Convention will enter into force on 8 September 2017. Once the Ballast Water Management Convention has entered into force all Panamanian flagged ships with dedicated ballast water tanks or spaces, shall comply with the following requirements:
- Ballast Water Management Plan approved by this Administration
- Ballast Water Record Book
Panamanian flagged ships of 400 gross tonnage (GT) and above, shall carry on board:
- International Ballast Water Management Certificate (IBWM Certificate), (excluding floating platforms, FSUs and FPSOs at the location of operation)
- Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP) approved by this Administration, and
- Ballast Water Record Book
From March 15, 2017, the Administration will issue an electronic BWMP Statement of Fact to the Company, valid for three months, upon receipt of the BWMP for review and approval.
Ships not fitted with a BWMS or ships fitted with a BWMS, which has been subject to modification, should review and update their BWMP upon installation or modification. In these cases, BWMP should be submitted to the Administration for re-approval.
Ballast Water Management Plans, previously approved by Recognized Organizations at their own behalf in accordance with Resolution A.868(20) adopted by the IMO on 27 November 1997, will remain valid and will be accepted by this Administration until the plan requires revision due to the installation of a BWMS.
To apply for the approval, ship-owners and ship-operators should access the following link: http://certificates.amp.gob.pa/certificates
A related circular further includes the payment fees and specific email addresses for submittal:
Source: Panama Maritime Authority