Panama Approves Charge for ISSC Certificate

The Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) board of directors approved recently a $ 250 charge for issuing the International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC). All Panama-flagged vessels have to file a ship security plan, which is to be assessed by the Recognized Security Organization Phoenix Vessels Services Inc, selected as sole RSO by the AMP on August 12th for this purpose. An in-situ inspection of vessels, made by other Recognized Security Organizations accredited by the AMP, will follow the ships plans’ approval. The RSO recognized for verification purposes will issue the interim ISSC. Finally, the AMP will issue the five-year ISSC at a cost of US$250. The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, approved in December 2002 by the International Maritime Organization, is an amendment to the SOLAS/74 convention and will enter force on July 1st, 2004. The AMP recently created the new Department of Maritime Security in charge of implementing the new IMO’s requirements and proper execution of the ISPS Code, to comply with Panama’s obligations as the world’s largest merchant fleet.