Panama Maritime Authority -Updated list of authorized service providers

C26034| 18 June 2026

Notice to: Ship Owners / Managers / Operators / Surveyors / Auditors / Service Suppliers.

The Panama Maritime Authority has updated Circular MMC-258 to include new authorized service providers for maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances, and release gear – table 6.1 of the circular.

The circular reminds authorized service providers they are required to ensure that personnel carrying out the work are certified in accordance with IMO Resolution MSC.402(96) for each specific make and type of equipment they service. Accordingly, the certificates issued to such personnel should clearly state the equipment make and type, the authorized activities, and the certificate’s expiry date.

Additionally, the circular reminds companies, as defined in SOLAS regulation IX/1.2, of their responsibility to ensure that maintenance, thorough examinations, operational testing, overhauls, and repairs carried out on board their ships comply with these requirements and the provisions of SOLAS regulation III/20. Companies should also establish and implement appropriate Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) procedures to cover all activities addressed in these requirements.

Act now

Ship Owners / Managers / Operators should take note of the circular and refer to the revised list as necessary.