- Panama Maritime Authority issues a notice emphasizing the need for vigilance for ships in Gulf of Mexico.
- It encourages all Panama Flag vessels transiting the Bay of Campeche, Gulf of Mexico and the state of Tabasco, in the Republic of Mexico to continue to keep the utmost vigilance.
- This warning is due to the recent attack incidents and the events during the last six months of 2020.
- All Panama Flag vessels transiting in these areas are to be expected to comply in accordance with the international requirements related to position reporting.
- If not, the Panama Maritime Authority may penalize breaches to such provisions according to the national legislation.
A recent news published in Safety4Sea highlights the major move made by Panama Maritime Authority to ensure the safety of the ships transiting the Bay of Campeche, Gulf of Mexico and the state of Tabasco, in the Republic of Mexico.
Strong recommendation from administration
The Administration strongly recommends to all Shipowners, Operators and Captains of Panama Flag vessels to:
- Follow the relevant guidance provided by BMP5 and the Global Counter-Piracy Guidance;
- Undertake a new ship and voyage specific threat assessment before entering any region where there has been an incident, or if the threat level has changed;
- Hold full and vigilant bridge watches; and strict communications with all vessels coming close.
Notice to all stakeholders
The Notice urges all shipowners, operators, Company Security Officers (CSO) and Ship Security Officers to verify that the LRIT System and the AIS work properly at all times, in order to send continuous positions of the vessels.
Piracy Merchant Marine procedures and recommendations
In addition, the Panama reminds all Panama Flag vessels transiting the Bay of Campeche, Gulf of Mexico and state of Tabasco, in the Republic of Mexico, to follow the PIRACY Merchant Marine Circulars procedures and recommendations.
Also, all Panama Flag vessels under the SOLAS V/19 regulation must comply with LRIT and AIS requirements.
In case of any incidents or suspicious activities in the area of Mexico, please contact:
Sergio Varela Morales
Maritime Security Deputy Director
Harbor Master and Maritime Affairs Unit
digaprocer.subpromar@semar.gob.mx
+52 (55) 5624 6500 Ext. 1779
www.gob.mx/semar/unicapam
Héctor Solís Hernández
Deputy General Director of Maritime Security and Certification
unicapam.digaprocer@semar.gob.mx
+52 (55) 5624 6500 Ext. 1770
www.gob.mx/semar/unicapam
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Source: Safety4Sea
