PMA issued MMC 407 to provide guidance to users of Panama Ship Registry regarding the requirements applicable to vessels after their registration under the Panama Ship Registry. It also aims to keep stakeholders informed of the various instruments adopted by the Republic of Panama concerning the registration of merchant marine vessels and other related matters.

Additionally, it provides information on the applicable statutory certificates and those whose issuance has been delegated to Recognized Organizations by the Panama Maritime Authority for this purpose.

In according with the provisions of item 25 of Article 30 of Decree Law No. 7 of February 10, 1998, as amended by Article 187 of Law No. 57 of August 6, 2008, one of the functions of the General Directorate of Merchant Marine is to perform Flag State functions and enforce applicable regulations on Panamanian and foreign-registered vessels operating within jurisdictional waters.

Such enforcement shall be carried out in accordance with national legal standards and the international conventions ratified by the Republic of Panama, particularly in matters related to maritime safety, navigational safety, maritime security, and the prevention and control of marine pollution, as well as relevant international guidelines and codes applicable to the Flag State.

The Republic of Panama has adopted several International Maritime Conventions through different national laws with the aim of preserving the safety of life at sea, preventing pollution, and ensuring the security of vessels registered under the Panamanian flag