Panama Maritime Authority Advises Caution for Vessels in Middle East Waters

The Panama Maritime Authority has issued a strong recommendation for all Panama-flagged vessels to avoid transiting in the Middle East region between Israel, Lebanon, and Iran, including the Gaza Strip. The security situation in these areas remains volatile and unstable, one year after recent attacks. Vessels transiting in these regions are urged to maintain utmost vigilance and enhance security measures on board. During port stays, vessels are advised to implement security measures equivalent to Security Level III as per their Ship Security Plan in line with the ISPS Code.

To ensure the safety of vessels and crew, the Panama Maritime Administration recommends following a set of security measures. These include conducting a thorough threat risk assessment before entering any region with security concerns, reviewing the Vessel Protection Plan, and staying informed about non-piracy threats as outlined in BMP5 and the Global Anti-Piracy Guide. Maintaining a vigilant watch on the bridge, strict surveillance of communications, and careful boarding controls are also emphasized. Additionally, operators and managers are advised to develop plans to respond to GPS disruptions affecting navigation and keep crew informed of any security threats in the region.

Furthermore, vessels are urged to comply with local authorities’ instructions regarding crew transit in port areas and review their communication security plan onboard for unforeseen incidents. The Panama Maritime Authority stresses the importance of keeping the automatic identification system (AIS) and LRIT always turned on, except in cases where compromising vessel security is a concern or during imminent security incidents. Compliance with SOLAS provisions, including monitoring VHF Channel 16 and maintaining communication with local authorities and the Panama Maritime Administration at all times, is also highlighted for safety and security purposes.

Source