Panama Signs up Vietnam to Inspect its Ships

The Vietnam Register (VR) and the Panamanian Isthmus Bureau of Shipping (IBS) have signed an agreement under which Vietnam will check Panamanian ships in waters near its territory. The agreement to check if the ships follow international maritime regulations was signed in Hanoi Tuesday. VR Director Nguyen Van Ban said a similar deal would be inked in Panama in April allowing IBS to inspect vessels flying Vietnamese flag while in Central and South American waters. Vietnam will also provide training for IBS technicians and officials. Source: VNA