To: Shipowners/Operators, Charterers, Masters, Recognized Security

Organizations and Marine Inspectors of Panamanian flagged Vessels

Subject: SHIP SECURITY GUIDELINES

References: SOLAS 74 (2002 amendments)

The International Code for the Security of Ships and Port Facilities (ISPS Code)

The Department of Maritime Security of the Panama Maritime Authority has developed the following Guidelines in compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) concerning ship security.

PREFACE:

1. The objective of these guidelines on Ship Security is to assist industry, employers, workers and others involved to respond to the risk to vessels from the threat posed by unlawful acts in the maritime environment. The guidelines provide guidance framework to develop and implement a ship security strategy commensurate with identified threats to security.

2. The Guidelines on ship security is part of an integrated approach to security and safety without prejudice to what is contemplated in the ISPS Code.

3. The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) adoption in December 2002 of amendments to its SOLAS Convention and the ISPS Code addressed both ship and port facility (location where the ship/port interface takes place) security. These guidelines are intended to be compatible with the provisions of the SOLAS ISPS Code.

4. Ship security guidelines, as far as possible and except for ease of reference, should not replace, duplicate or create extraneous procedures or functions to those in the ISPS Code. Where there is no ISPS terminology, definition or procedure that meets the requirements of these guidelines alternative terminology, definitions and procedures should be compatible with the ISPS Code.

5. Nothing in these guidelines is intended to prejudice the rights or obligations of the State under international law. These guidelines should be interpreted in a manner that does not undermine the ILO conventions on workers rights.

6. These security guidelines do not override or abrogate the Panama Maritime Authority, or any authorized in their behalf, as well as any commercial and industrial corporation or an individual’s responsibility to comply with the laws, regulations and rules applicable in the respective port or the Country of Panama. The guidance is not a substitute for applicable legal requirements nor is it regulation itself.

7. The scope of the guidelines is to promote recognized security roles, tasks and measures to deter, detect and respond to unlawful acts against vessels serving on international voyages and maritime operations.

8. These guidelines were developed to assist owners and operators to establish protective measures that are appropriate to their specific vessel. Knowing that vessels are unique, owners and/or operators may seek an alternative to the specific protective measures recommended, demonstrating that such alternative to the protective measure provides an acceptable level of protection.

September 2003

Inquiries concerning the subject of this circular

Or any request should be directed to:

Panama Maritime Authority (PMA)

Maritime Security Department

Address: P.O. Box 592 Balboa, Ancon, Panama, Republic of Panama.

Fax: (507) 232 8268

E-mail: MSD@amp.gob.pa