A recent Merchant Marine Circular published in the Panama Registry states that Panama Maritime Authority deals with Recognized Organizations (ROs).
Recognized Organizations (ROs)
The Panama Maritime Authority General Directorate of Merchant Marine Control and Compliance Department has issued a Marine Circular MMC-307 to recognized organizations (ROs) regarding the Code for Recognized Organizations (RO Code).
The Code is divided into three parts: Part 1 and Part 2 mandatory, while Part 3 is recommendatory.
It provides a consolidated instrument containing criteria against which ROs are assessed and authorized/recognized, and gives guidance for subsequent monitoring of ROs by flag Administrations.
The RO Code provides flag Administrations with a standard that will assist in achieving a harmonized and consistent global implementation of requirements established by IMO instruments for the assessment and authorization of recognized organizations.
Organizations recognized by the Republic of Panama
The RO Code is applicable to all Organizations recognized by the Republic of Panama, regardless of their type and size and the statutory certification and services provided.
ROs do not need to provide all types of statutory certification and services and may have a limited scope of recognition, provided that the requirements of the RO Code are applied in a manner that is compatible with the limited scope of recognition.
The Administration emphasizes several considerations relating to certain requirements of the RO Code, Part 2, such as transparency, control of records, communication / cooperation with the flag state, and the establishment of appropriate communication processes.
ROs must communicate the requirements of the RO Code, point 3.9.2.1.3, to the Segumar Offices, and the requirements of the RO Code, point 3.9.2.1.4, information on all overdue surveys, audits, recommendations, or conditions that affect the validity of statutory certificates.
Cases of ship detentions
In cases of ship detentions, ROs must comply with provisions stated in the Merchant Marine Circulars, such as the International Maritime Organization (ISM)/MLC/ISPS certification process, the Maritime Labour Convention 2006, the Certification Process, and the Guidance for the implementation and certification of the ISPS Code.
In cases of casualties, ROs must establish, publish, and maintain their rules/regulations for design, construction, and certification for Panamanian-flagged ships in English.
The requirements of the RO Code, points 3.9.2.2 & 5.2.2, must be communicated to ro-panama@segumar.com, in case an RO or Classification Society establishes, develops, or amends new rules or regulations to get the flag considerations.
The Recognized Organization (RO) is responsible for assigning a contact person to act as a liaison between the organization and the Administration.
This information must be reported annually at the beginning of each calendar year or in case of any updating, by emailing ro-monitoring@segumar.com and submitting the following items: Contact Names, Title, Telephones, and Emails.
Each RO & Recognized Security Organization must consign guarantee bonds and renew them in a timely manner, under the parameters established within Resolution No. 106-023-DGMM of March 30, 2022.
The original guarantee bonds must be deposited at RO – RSO Control & Monitoring Department, General Directorate of Merchant Marine, Panama Maritime Authority.
Implementation of ships’ Information System (ISM)
Recognized Organizations must report deficiencies affecting the implementation of ships’ Information System (ISM) by a Recognized Organization approved by Panama. They must inform the ship Master / Company about deficiencies detected, which affect the implementation of the Safety Management System (SMS). The Administration must be informed of such deficiencies and instructed to take corresponding actions.
Exclusive Surveyors and Auditors (RO Code 4.2.2) are authorized by the RO to perform statutory certification and services by using only exclusive surveyors / auditors and qualified staff, solely employed by the RO after a due verification process of qualification and training according to their level of responsibilities. If a non-exclusive surveyor is required due to non-availability of exclusive surveyors, the RO must request authorization on a case-by-case basis.
All ROs have the obligation to submit annually, in case of any updates or at the request of this Administration, the complete list of Exclusive Surveyors / Auditors appointed to conduct surveys / audits on board Panamanian flagged vessels, as stated in Resolution No. 106-023-DGMM dated March 30, 2022. The list of Exclusive Surveyors / Auditors should include the surveyor / auditor name, geographical coverage, scope / competency, and any non-compliances.
Quality Management System Certification (RO Code 7) is required for the RO’s Quality System to be periodically assessed and certified in accordance with point 7 of the RO Code. Qualified bodies certifying the ROs must be accredited according to point 7.2 of the RO Code and refer to the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).
Oversight Program for Recognized Organizations will be carried out as determined by this Administration to verify that the recognized organizations authorized to perform statutory certification and services on our behalf are fully met the applicable International Instruments and National Regulations. All Recognized Organizations authorized by the Republic of Panama are committed to complying with all relevant communication instructions and taking corresponding actions therewith.
For more details the report is attached Panama Ship Registry
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Source: Panama Ship Registry
