Panama decided that all Panamanian flag vessels transiting or visiting Panamanian ports prior to their arrival to any port or terminal in Paris MoU area, have to conduct a Flag Annual Safety Inspection (ASI) as soon as they arrive.
Non-compliance with these provisions will be subject to sanction. Refusing for the first time carries a penalty of $10,000.00 USD. The recurrence will be grounds for the cancellation of the Panamanian registry immediately.
Panama currently belongs to the Paris MoU white list; however, it has detected an increase in detentions in the Paris MoU.
For this reason, and in order to maintain its white list status, Panama took the measures mentioned above.
This Administration exhorts Ship-owners/Operators, Legal representatives of Panamanian Flag Vessels; Panama Merchant Marine Recognized Organizations (RO´s), to review the maintenance management system of the ships in accordance with the requirements of the ISM Code
Panama stated.
Why vessels transiting or visiting Panamanian ports prior to their arrival to any port or terminal in Paris MoU area???
PROBABLY BECAUSE PMA DOESN’T TRUST ON FLAG STATE INSPECTORS BASED ABROAD….