Panama: Provisions for the training and certification of offshore personnel

The Panama Maritime Authority has issued a merchant marine circular, MMC-328, regarding the training and certification provisions for offshore personnel on Panamanian-flagged offshore units, aligning with Resolution A.1079(28) of December 4, 2013.

Scope

Applicable to offshore personnel on specified Panamanian-flagged offshore units: Column-Stabilized, Self-elevating, Surface, and Platform.

Positions Covered

Designates positions for offshore personnel on Panamanian-flagged units, including Offshore Installation Manager, Barge Supervisor, Ballast Control Operator, and others.

Mandatory Documents

Specifies documents required for master, officer, and radio operator roles on Panamanian-flagged offshore vessels, including Certificate of Competency and Seaman's Book.

Seaman's Book Requirement

Outlines the requirement of a Seaman's Book for specific positions and offshore special personnel on Panamanian-flagged units.

Technical Documentation

Mandates possession of applicable technical documentation issued by the Panama Maritime Authority for offshore personnel with safety or security duties.

Certificate Expiry

States that certain certificates without an expiration date do not require updates for Seaman's Book revalidation.

Company Responsibility

Emphasizes the responsibility of companies to ensure compliance with the regulations outlined in the Circular.

Resting Periods

Requires companies to establish and enforce resting periods for offshore personnel, especially those involved in watchkeeping and safety-related tasks.

Medical Certification

Specifies compliance with medical certification provisions of the 1978 STCW Convention and the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, for offshore personnel considered as Maritime Crew.

Adaptability to New Services

Allows the General Directorate of Seafarers to determine new positions and requirements based on evolving offshore unit services.

Seaman's Book Validity

States that Seaman's Books issued before the Circular's validity remain valid until their expiration date.

MMC-328 was issued on 1 November 2023.

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

Provisions for the Training and Certification of Offshore Personnel on Board Offshore Units Registered under the Panamanian Flag

A.1079(28): Recommendations for the Training and Certification of Personnel on Mobile Offshore Units (MOUs)