The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) announced extension of the Seafarer’s Employment Agreement (SEA) until 14 September 2020. Thereafter, the provisions of the MLC, 2006, as incorporated into the national legislation will have to be complied with.
The Authority has revised MN 03/2020 marking a cessation to the grant of extension to the SEAs initially done to take into account of the COVID-19 restrictions.
Seafarers that are subject to these extensions shall be repatriated as a prescribed Standard A2.5.1.2(b) of the MLC 2006.
The PMA strongly encourages all Authorities to allow for crew changes at the earliest opportunity so as seafarers repatriation to their homes could be achieved,
…BIMCO advised.
After September 14, the PMA will return to compliance with the provisions of Executive Decree No. 86 of February 22, 2013 and MMC-262.
Panama Maritime Authority received criticism earlier in the summer, for enabling with these extensions the seafarers’ work beyond the maximum period specified under the MLC.