Panama – LRIT

C26050 | 04 Nov 2026

Notice to: Ship Owners / Managers / Operators / Masters

The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) has revised Merchant Marine Circular MMC-195 on the operation of Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) systems by adding section 4.11 about LRIT operation in areas affected by radio frequency interference or jamming.

LRIT Operation During Radio Frequency Interference or Jamming

This circular applies to Panamanian-flagged vessels engaged on international voyages of 300 GT and above, as specified in paragraph 4.1 of MMC-195.

The presence of a vessel in an area affected by radio frequency interference or jamming does not justify switching off, disconnecting, deactivating, or otherwise disabling its LRIT equipment. The equipment shall remain continuously switched on and in proper operating condition, and vessels shall continue transmitting LRIT information in accordance with applicable requirements. Intentional deactivation, disconnection, switching off or disabling of the equipment solely because of navigation in an affected area is not permitted.

If an interruption in LRIT reporting is detected, the vessel shall verify the operational status of the LRIT equipment and take all possible, reasonable, and technically practicable measures to maintain or restore transmission as soon as practicable.

Radio frequency interference or jamming alone shall not be interpreted as an LRIT equipment malfunction or as grounds for applying the procedures applicable to an LRIT malfunction.

The Panama Maritime Authority may request supporting information or documentation to verify any LRIT non-reporting event attributed to radio frequency interference or jamming. The vessel’s presence in an area affected by reported interference shall not, by itself, constitute sufficient evidence to justify LRIT non-reporting.

Any intentional or unauthorized deactivation, disconnection, or disabling of LRIT equipment, as well as any failure to comply with applicable LRIT reporting requirements, may be subject to investigation and corresponding administrative sanctions in accordance with Resolution No. 106-048-DGMM dated 19 August 2019.

Act Now

Ship Owners / Managers / Operators / Masters are reminded to ensure that LRIT equipment remains continuously operational and that LRIT reporting requirements are maintained when navigating in areas affected by radio frequency interference or jamming. Any interruption in reporting must be promptly investigated, with appropriate measures taken to restore transmission.