Panama: Embarkation for remotely located survival crafts

The Panama Maritime Authority has issued merchant marine circular MMC-166 regarding other means of embarkation for remotely located survival crafts.

The circular was issued on 1 November 2023 and it is addressed to ship-owner/operators, company security officers, legal representatives of Panamanian flagged vessels, Panamanian Merchant Marine Consulates and Recognized Organization (RO's).

1. Purpose:

1.1. The purpose of this MMC is to communicate the MSC.1/Circular.1243 requests that the area where these remotely located survival craft are stowed should be provided with an embarkation ladder or other means of embarkation enabling descent to the water in a controlled manner in accordance with SOLAS regulation III/11.7.

2. Scope:

2.1. Liferafts, if located at the aft/forward end of the ship and at a distance of more than 100 m from the closest survival craft, as required by SOLAS regulation III/31.1.4, should be regarded as "remotely located survival craft" with regard to SOLAS regulation III/7.2.1.2.

3. Requirement:

3.1. The SOLAS Regulation III/11.7 does not specify which other means of embarkation will be accepted; however, the alternate method chosen shall assure the safety of crewmembers at the time of its use.

3.2. The approval of other means of embarkation, enabling descent to the water in a controlled manner in regards to liferaft under regulation 31.1.4 Chapter III SOLAS as amended, shall be carried out by Recognized Organizations, taking into consideration requirements, material, characteristics, and dimensions criteria.

3.3. With regards to the implementation date of the MSC.1/Circ.1243, it will apply to ships contracted for construction on or after 1 January 2007; and for existing ships, compliance shall be verified at the next annual survey in respect to the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate.

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