Vessels Arriving to Panamanian Waters: Mandatory Notifications, PSC/FSI Re-Inspection Requests, and Special Permit Procedures

Issued by:

Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) – General Directorate of Merchant Marine
Date: October 2025
Notice No.: MMN-10/2025

1. Purpose:

To inform shipowners, operators, masters, and agents of the procedures and requirements for vessels entering Panamanian jurisdictional waters—especially those under detention, inspection, or special operational conditions.

2. Applicability:

Applies to:

• All vessels (any flag) entering or operating in Panamanian waters.
• Shipowners, masters, operators, legal representatives, and port agents.
• Cases involving unseaworthy, damaged, detained, or legally restricted vessels.

3. Mandatory Notifications:

Vessels must notify AMP in advance if they plan to:

• Conduct maintenance, repairs, or modifications (afloat or drydock).
• Arrive in unseaworthy condition, such as:
  • Damage to structure, propulsion, or steering systems.
  • Failure of power or safety systems.
  • Hazardous cargo onboard.
  • Labor disputes, legal detentions, or environmental risks.

Notifications must include: technical reports, captain/engineer statements, repair plans, photos, and other supporting documents.
Submit to:

• PSC Section (psc@amp.gob.pa)
• Port Operations Section (dop@amp.gob.pa)

4. PSC/Flag Safety Re-Inspection Requests:

If detained under Port State Control (PSC) or Flag Safety Inspection (FSI):

• A written request must be submitted with vessel details, deficiencies, corrective evidence, and proposed date.
• Fee: B/. 500.00 (applies only to PSC re-inspections).
• Re-inspections only during business hours (Mon–Fri).

5. Special Permit for Movement of Detained Vessels:

If a detained vessel needs to be relocated or moved:

• Submit a written request with vessel details, destination, date, and justification.
• Address to both PSC and FSI sections.

6. Contact Details:

• PSC: psc@amp.gob.pa
• Port Operations: dop@amp.gob.pa
• FSI: asi@amp.gob.pa
• General Contact: jmacias@amp.gob.pa | Tel: +507 501-5084
• Website: panamashipregistry.com

7. Objective:

To ensure:

• Safety of maritime operations in Panamanian waters.
• Environmental protection.
• Compliance with national and international maritime regulations.

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