Panama updates marine notice MMN-05/2022 on authorized ASI inspectors

Eda Zenic -

The Panama Maritime Authority has updated Marine Notice MMN-05/2022, which provides guidance to shipowners, operators, and masters regarding Annual Safety Inspections (ASI). These updates aim to address concerns about unauthorized entities attempting to conduct inspections and to ensure only authorized inspectors perform this critical task.

Key Updates:

Unauthorized Entities:
The PMA has expanded the list of companies and individuals prohibited from conducting ASI inspections. The latest additions include Alexa W (Ms.) and MK Shipping India (added in November 2024). The full list now includes:Shipowners, operators, and masters are instructed to reject any inspection requests from these entities.

  1. AW Marine
  2. Mass Maritime Consultancy
  3. Canyon Maritime
  4. Ashton Wong
  5. Flag State Inspection Company
  6. MK Marine Surveyors
  7. Eva Jones
  8. Luis Velásquez Wang
  9. L.M. Gomez (Ms.)
  10. Alexa W (Ms.)
  11. MK Shipping India

Inspector Verification:
All authorized ASI inspectors must carry an Authorization Letter issued by the PMA. Stakeholders are encouraged to verify inspector credentials via Merchant Marine Circular No. MMC-374 or the official ASI surveyors list, available on the Panama Ship Registry website.

New Requirements:
As of November 2024, all ASI inspection requests made via email must include the complete email correspondence between the inspector or their company representatives and the requesting party. This measure promotes greater transparency and traceability in inspection communications.

Encouragement for Compliance:
A new paragraph (introduced in September 2023) reminds shipowners, operators, and masters to review the details of this Marine Notice and ensure compliance with its guidelines.