Panama Maritime Authority
General Directorate of Merchant Marine
Control and Compliance Department

F-34(DCCM)
V.04

UKRAINIAN AND RUSSIAN WATERS IN THE BLACK SEA AND SEA OF AZOV
No: MMN-03/2022

1. The Panama Maritime Administration strongly encourages all Panama Flaggedvessels to avoid transit on Ukrainian and Russian waters in the Black Sea andSea of Azov.
2. Due to the current situation in the areas of the Black Sea, Sea of Azov and its
surroundings, the Panama Maritime Administration requires all Panama
registered vessels to raise the level of security according to the ship's Security
Plan and to take extreme measures of safety and security for both the ship andits crew.
3. For those Panamanian vessels in Ukrainian Ports or transiting the above zone
must maintain the utmost vigilance and increased security conditions aboard inorder to protect the vessel and crew.
4. Port operations in the ports of Ukraine remain closed, as expressed ininternational media, for which the Panama registered vessels that are in these
ports and their crews must remain in port until the Ukrainian authorities grant
permission for departure or disembarkment of the crew. During their stay inport, they must implement all security measures equivalent to Security Level III,
as required in their Ship Security Plan in accordance with the ISPS Code.
Currently, ships are not allowed to enter or leave the ports.
5. It is reaffirmed to avoid any transit or operation within the Black Sea, Sea ofAzov and its surroundings.

6. For safety, the automatic identification system (AIS) and the LRIT must be
turned on at all times, except in those cases where the captain considers thatthe security of the vessel could be compromised or when a security incident isimminent. In accordance with the provisions of the International Convention for
the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), in the same way, VHF Channel 16 must be
monitored and communication must be maintained at all times with local
authorities and with the Panama Maritime Administration..
7. In those cases that the Captains / S.S.O. and the companies decide andconsider the switch off of the aforementioned equipment, they must notify andreport the status of the ship and its crew every 4 hours via email tonardila@amp.gob.pa and isps@amp.gob.pa
8. Due to the recent events the Panama Maritime Administration strongly
encourage to follow the recommendations listed below and, on the document
issued by members of the maritime industry and stake holders, including theinformation posted in https://channel16.dryadglobal.com/risk-of-collateraldamage-in-northwest-black-sea-mine-warning-areas?hsLang=en
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Undertake a new ship- and voyage-specific threat risk assessment
before entering any region where there has been an incident, or thethreat has changed.
After the risk assessment, review the Ship’s Security Plan.
Review section 2 of BMP5, which outlines non-piracy threats and theGlobal Counter-Piracy Guidance.
Maintain a full and vigilant bridge watches.
Maintain a strict communication watch and establish communication
with all vessels coming close.
Ensure strict boarding controls in place.
Only lower accommodation gangways or ladders when necessary.
Rig outboard lighting where possible provided when they do notinterfere with keeping a safe lookout, particularly over the stern andrig/use searchlights if available.
Monitoring Channel 16 t VHF and other communication channels.
Check all fire-fighting equipment available for immediate use. Make
sure the emergency fire pump is available if any maintenance isbeing undertaken.

Keep the Automatic Information System (AIS) and LRIT working
properly, in order to be able to continuously send positions of thevessels.

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9. The boarding of security companies that provide armed personnel on board
Panama registered vessels in Ukrainian and Russian waters is prohibited.
10. In the event of any incident or suspicious activity, they must be notifying assoon as possible to:Panama Maritime Authority
Maritime Ships Security Department
Phone: (507) 501-5037 / 5085
E-mail: isps@amp.gob.pa , nardila@amp.gob.pa

OTAN
info@shipping.nato.int+44 (0) 1923-956574

March, 2022 - Modification of paragraph 8 and new paragraphs 2,4,5,6,7 and 9.
February, 2022 – New.

Inquiries concerning the subject of this Merchant Marine Notice or any otherrequest should be forward to:
Maritime Ships Security Department
General Directorate of Merchant Marine
Panama Maritime Authority
Phone: (507) 501-5037 / 5085
E-mail: isps@amp.gob.pa
Website: https://panamashipregistry.com/marine-category/marine-notices/