The sanctions include a fine of $10,000 and/or removal of the vessel from the Panamanian registry.
The head of Panama Ship Registry, Rafael Cigarruista told Seatrade Maritime News, that it is “a preventive measure” and that “Panama has taken very seriously the situation of the vessels that are disconnecting or altering the functionality of the AIS/LRIT.”
The International Convention for the safety of life at sea (SOLAS) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations are “clear about the safety and functionality of these equipment”, explained Cigarruista. “We are concerned when an interruption appears in the signals of these equipment.”
“We understand it could be a malfunction and when it is the case, it must be repaired in a timely manner, reported to us and to the recognised organisation, this is standard procedure, and we are in the process of improving the AIS/ transponder detection reports. But, if it is an intentional suspension of equipment, then be sure that we will impose the $10,000 fine and /or removal of the vessel from the Registry,” he said.
“However, we must say that we have detected areas where it seems that there is certain interference and where the signal is occasionally interrupted. When we complete documenting this issue, we will take it to the pertinent forums, to find a solution to the problem.” The entire international fleet is subject to this situation, not only those vessels registered under Panama Flag.
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