ISPS CODE

TOPICSTATUS

Issuance of Merchant Marine Circulars

What is the ISPS Code?

The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Diplomatic Conference of December 2002adopted new Regulations to enhance maritime security through amendments to SOLAS ChaptersV and XI. Chapter XI, previously covering ship safety has been split into two new chapters, XI-1and XI-2.

ChapChapter XI-1, Special Measures to Enhance Maritime Safety, has been enhanced to include additionalrequirements covering ship identification numbers and carriage of a Continuous Synopsis Record.Chapter XI-2, Special Measures to Enhance Maritime Security, has been created and includes a requirement forships and companies to comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. The ISPS Codecontains two parts. Part A is mandatory, while Part B is recommendatory and contains guidance for implementationof the Code. The USCG has decreed that sections of Part B of the Code will also be taken into consideration.Chapter XI-2 also sets out requirements for ship security alert systems and control and compliance measures forport states and contracting governments.As well as the new Regulations in SOLAS Chapter XI-2, the Diplomatic Conference has adopted amendments toextant SOLAS Regulations accelerating the implementation of the requirement to fit automatic identificationsystems (AIS) (Chapter V). The Diplomatic Conference has also adopted a number of Conference Resolutionsincluding technical co-operation, and the co-operative work with the International Labour Organisation and WorldCustoms Organisation.Review and amendment of certain of the new provisions regarding maritime security may be required oncompletion of the work of these two organisations.These requirements form a framework through which ships and port facilities can co-operate to detect and deteracts which pose a threat to maritime security. The regulatory provisions do not extend to the actual response tosecurity incidents or to any necessary clear-up activities after such an incident.In summary the ISPS Code:

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enables the detection and deterrence of security threats within an international framework

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establishes roles and responsibilities

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enables collection and exchange of security information

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provides a methodology for assessing security

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ensures that adequate security measures are in place.It requires ship and port facility staff to:

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gather and assess information

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maintain communication protocols

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restrict access; prevent the introduction of unauthorised weapons, etc.

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provide the means to raise alarms

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put in place vessel and port security plans; and ensure training and drills are conducted.

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2

Function of the Directorate General of Consular and Maritime Affairs

3

List of Merchant Marine Consular Offices

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Panamanian Maritime Fees

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Data and Documentation Required for ShipRegistration

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Application for vessel Registration

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Vessel Registration (Navigation "Patente")

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Amendments to the Vessel Registration(Navigation "Patente")

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Registration and inspection of Yachts

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Preliminary Registration of Title Deeds andMortgages of Vessels

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Mortgage Contract

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Execution of Bill of Sale; LanguageRequirements

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Cancellation of Vessels from the PanamanianRegistry

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Ex Officio Cancellation of Vessels under Panamanian Registry

15

Statutory Certificates

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Registry of Vessels Under Construction whichrequire "Patente" (Registration Number andRadio Call Letters before they are Completedin their Construction Phase

17

Applications for Radiocommunication StationLicense in the Maritime Mobile Service and Listof Approved Radio Service CompaniesReplaced by MMC No. 111

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Required Documents for Ship Radio Stations

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Navigational Charts, Publication, Records andNational Documents Required on BoardPanamanian Vessels of 500 GRT and aboveReplaced by MMC No. 98

20

Annual Safety Inspection Program

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Minimum Safe Manning Requirements

22

- Certificate of Liability for Oil Pollution

Damage, 1968 Law 21 of July 9, 1980 -Resolution No. 145 of March 22, 1976

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Oil Record Book

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Discharge of Contaminating Substances

25

Construction Subdivision and Stability,Machinery and Electrical Installations

26

Regulations Concerning Construction - FireProtection, and Fire Extinction for NewPassenger Ships Carrying More than 36Passengers; New Passenger Ships CarryingNot More than 36 Passengers; and ExistingPassenger Ships Carrying More than 36Passengers

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Regulations Concerning Construction - FireProtection, Fire Detection, and Fire Extinction-for New Tankers

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Regulations Concerning Construction - FireProtection, Fire Detection, and Fire Extinctionfor New Cargo Ships of more than 500 TonsGross Tonnage

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Regulations Concerning Life – SavingAppliances, etc. for New Ships engaged onInternational Voyages

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Observance of Traffic Separation Schemes

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Investigation of Serious Casualties

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Casualties Investigation of Panamanian FlagVessels