Panama Maritime Authority has decided that is compulsory that all Panamanian flag vessels with Priority 1 in Paris MoU Inspection and Selection Scheme, that arrive at any port in Italy, to Conduct a Flag annual safety inspection (ASI) as soon as they arrive.
The measure, announced through Merchant Marine Notice 13/2021, comes as the Administration has observed an increase of detentions in the Paris MoU, specifically in Italy, and wishes to maintain its white list status in the Paris MoU. Notably, these detentions had in common that they were ships with Priority 1 in Paris MoU Inspection and Selection Scheme.
If required, the Shipowners/Operators will assume the travel, food, and lodging expenses of the Flag Inspector designated to attend to their vessels.
Non-compliance with the above provisions will be subject to sanction. Refusing for the first time carries a penalty of 10,000 USD. The recurrence will be grounds for the cancellation of the Panamanian registry immediately.
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To remind, the Paris MoU has implemented the White List initiative to identify and recognize high-quality ships and flags and provide incentives to encourage quality operations. The Paris MoU Inspection and Selection Scheme is based on a ship’s Risk Profile and the Inspection and Selection Scheme determines the scope, frequency, and priority of inspections. Periodic Inspections are carried out at intervals determined by the ship risk profile.
Ships become due for periodic inspection in the following time windows:
- For HRS – between 5-6 months after the last inspection in the Paris MoU region.
- For SRS – between 10-12 months after the last inspection in the Paris MoU region.
- For LRS – between 24-36 months after the last inspection in the Paris MoU region.
The selection scheme is divided into two priorities:
- Priority I: ships must be inspected because either the time window has closed or there is an overriding factor.
- Priority II: ships may be inspected because they are within the time window or the port State considers an unexpected factor warrants an inspection.
