Panama has issued two circulars regarding the Code of Safety for Caribbean Cargo Ships

The Panama Maritime Authority has issued two merchant marine circulars, MMC-216 and MMC-217, regarding the Code of Safety for Caribbean Cargo Ships (CCSS Code).

MMC-216

Purpose

This Circular announces that Panama has adopted the amended Code of Safety for Caribbean Cargo Ships (CCSS Code) through Resolution No. 106-60-DGMM of June 29, 2017.

The CCSS Code, established in 1996, sets a safety standard for vessels under 500 Gross Registered Tons in the Caribbean Trading Area.

Scope

The Code applies to cargo ships under 500 Gross tonnage in countries adopting the CCSS Code or part of the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding (CMOU).

Requirements

Panamanian flag vessels under 500 Gross tonnage must hold the Caribbean Cargo Ship Safety Certificate by January 1, 2018, issued by a Recognized Organization authorized by Panama.

All Classification Societies and Recognized Organizations must incorporate amendments, and those without authorization must apply to the General Directorate of Merchant Marine.

Vessels holding the Caribbean Cargo Ship Safety Certificate are exempt from complying with certificates required by Resolution No. 106-138-DGMM of September 10, 2013.

MMC-217

Purpose

This circular informs about Resolution MEPC.186(59) effective from January 1, 2011, amending MARPOL 73/78 Annex I with a new chapter 8.

Under regulation 41 of this chapter, oil tankers engaged in STS operations must carry an approved STS operations Plan from the first survey on or after January 1, 2011.

Scope

This Administration authorizes Recognized Organizations approved to issue MARPOL Annex I certificates for the Republic of Panama to review and approve STS operations Plans.

Requirement

Recognized Organizations must verify STS operations Plans, ensuring compliance with best practice guidelines from IMO's "Manual on Oil Pollution, Section I, Prevention" and ICS/OCIMF's "Ship-to-ship Transfer Guide, Petroleum" (fourth edition, 2005).

Both merchant marine circulars were issued on 1 November 2023.

For more information, please see the documents below (available only to subscribers):

MMC-216

MMC-217

MEPC.186(59): Amendments to the Annex of the Protocol of 1978 Relating to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships, 1973