The Maritime Authority of Panama (AMP) has recommended that all vessels under the Panamanian flag take necessary security measures and avoid transiting through Ukrainian and Russian waters in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov due to the conflict in the region.
The AMP detailed that it is important for all Panamanian vessels in Ukrainian waters and/or ports to comply with the specific precautionary measures established by the Government of Ukraine. These include:
• Conducting a new risk and threat assessment specific to each vessel and each voyage before entering any area where an incident has occurred or the threat has changed. • Following the risk assessment, reviewing the vessel's security plan and maintaining full and vigilant watch on the bridge. • Ensuring that the Automatic Identification System (AIS) and the Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) system are functioning correctly to continuously transmit vessel positions. • Guaranteeing the application of strict boarding controls and verifying that all firefighting equipment is available for immediate use. • Ensuring the emergency fire pump is available if any maintenance is being performed.
According to the AMP, Ukraine continues to record significant impacts as a result of the ongoing conflict, a situation that has led to operational restrictions, including the closure or limitation of activities in several strategically important ports. This increases the risk levels for vessels operating or calling at Ukrainian port facilities.
This recommendation comes after an incident where a Panamanian-flagged tanker was hit by a drone while in the anchorage area of Chornomorsk, Ukraine. As a result of the incident, a crew member was injured, received timely attention, and is in stable condition.
