Panama: implementation of the amendments to the IMSBC Code

The Panama Maritime Authority has issued a merchant marine circular, MMC-214, to inform ship owners, operators, recognized organizations, masters, and annual safety inspectors about the mandatory implementation of the amendments to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code.

The amendments were adopted by IMO Resolutions MSC.268(85) and MSC.500(105).

The circular provides information on the scope and applicability of the IMSBC Code, the new amendments, and the instructions to the Recognized Organizations.

The circular states that all ships carrying Solid Bulk Cargoes must be in compliance with the IMSBC Code requirements on or after 1 January 2011.

The existing Bulk Cargoes (BC) Code Certificates for the vessels shall be replaced by the IMSBC Certificates by the time of the First Bulk Cargoes Periodical Survey on or after 1 January 2011.

The ships not having BC or IMSBC Certificates and which will carry Solid Bulk Cargoes shall have Valid IMSBC Certificates before loading on or after the effective date of 1 January 2011.

The new amendments to the IMSBC Code include the addition of new solid bulk cargoes and the deletion of two of them.

The circular recommends that Resolution MSC.500(105) can be applied on a voluntary basis since 1 January 2023.

MMC-214 was issued on 1 October 2023.

For more information, please see the documents below (available only to subscribers):