F-33

(DCCM)
V.04

Panama Maritime Authority

General Directorate of Merchant Marine
Control and Compliance Department

MERCHANT MARINE CIRCULAR MMC-345

To: Ship-owners/operators, Legal Representatives of Panamanian Flagged

Vessels, Panamanian Merchant Marine Consulates and Recognized
Organizations (ROs) and all other stakeholders.

Subject: Ballast Water Management Convention 2004, Panama Policy.

Reference: a) Law No.41 of 12 September 2016 adopting International Convention for

the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004;
b) Resolution JD No.002-2017 of 26 January 2017;
c) Resolution MEPC.296(72) of 13 April 2018, adopted through Resolution
No.107-OMI-206-DGMM dated 18 July 2019;
d) Resolution MEPC. 297(72) of 13 April 2018, adopted through Resolution
No.107-OMI-207-DGMM dated 18 July 2019.
e) Resolution MEPC.299(72) of 13 April 2018, adopted through Resolution
No.107-OMI-208-DGMM dated 18 July 2019;
f) Resolution MEPC.325 (75) dated 20 November 2020, adopted through
Resolution No.107-OMI-247-DGMM dated 14 December 2021.
g) Resolution A.1156 (32) – Survey Guidelines under the Harmonized
System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), 2021, adopted through
Resolution No. 107-OMI-253-DGMM of March 8, 2022.
h) BWM.2/Circ.46 - Application of the BWM Convention to Mobile Offshore
Units (Only as Recommendation);
i) BWM.2/Circ.40 - Issuance of Ballast Water Management Certificates prior
to entry into force of the BWM Convention and Ballast Water Management
Plans approved according to resolution A.868(20). (Only as
Recommendation)
j) BWM.2/Circ.52 - Guidance on entry or re-entry of ships into exclusive
operation within waters under the jurisdiction of a single Party; (Only as
Recommendation)
k) Resolution MEPC. 287(71) 7 July 2017 (Only as Recommendation)
l) BWM.2/Circ.70, 1 November 2018. (Only as Recommendation)
m) Resolution MEPC. 300(72) of 13 April 2018, entry into force of the
associated amendments to the BWM Convention. (Only as
Recommendation)
n) Resolution MEPC.127(53) - Guidelines for ballast water management
and development of ballast water management plans (G4) dated 22 July
2005, amended by Resolution MEPC.306(73) dated 26 October 2018 as
referred to in regulation B-1. (Only as Recommendation)
 o) Unified interpretations to the BWM Convention –
BWM.2/Circ.66/Rev.3 approved by MEPC 78 on June 24, 2022 (Only As
recommendation)

1. Purpose

1.1 The purpose of this Merchant Marine Circular is to inform that the Republic of Panama
submitted to the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization, the
accession of the Ballast Water Management Convention 2004, including a declaration
in accordance with the recommendation contained in Resolution A.1088(28) on 19
October 2016, now superseded by the Resolution MEPC.287(71) of 7 July 2017; and
that the Convention entered into force on 8 September 2017.

1.2 Furthermore, it provides guidance and instructions to ensure compliance with the
Ballast Water Management Convention 2004 adopted by the Republic of Panama by
Law No. 41 of 12 September 2016, and the complementary IMO Resolutions and
Circulars.

1.3 As well as give additional guidance and instructions in line with the amendment to
regulation B-3 of the BWM Convention decision of the Marine Environmental
Protection Committee (MEPC session 71) on the approval of the draft amended
regulation B-3 of the BWM Convention, which will be circulated to Member States for
adoption during MEPC 72 scheduled to be held from April 9 -13, 2018; and the draft
MEPC resolution on Determination of the date referred to in regulation B-3, as
amended, of the BWM Convention, which the Secretary-General will circulate
immediately upon entry into force of the Convention. As per the draft documents the
MEPC has resolved that, in lieu of the implementation schedule recommended in
resolution A.1088(28) and notwithstanding the schedule set forth in regulation B-3 of
the Convention, the Parties to the Ballast Water Management Convention should
implement the draft amended regulation B-3 contained therein, immediately after entry
into force of the Convention, with a view to avoiding the creation of a dual treaty regime
during the time period between the entry into force of the Convention and the entry into
force of the amended regulation B-3.

2. Definitions

The following relevant definitions from the International Convention for the control
and management of Ship’s Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (article 1 and
regulation A-1):

2.1 "Active Substance" means a substance or organism, including a virus or a fungus,

that has a general or specific action on or against Harmful Aquatic Organisms and
Pathogens.
2.2 "Administration" means the Government of the State under whose authority the ship
is operating. With respect to a ship entitled to fly a flag of any State, the Administration
is the Government of that State. With respect to floating platforms engaged in
exploration and exploitation of the sea-bed and subsoil thereof adjacent to the coast
over which the coastal State exercises sovereign rights for the purposes of exploration
and exploitation of its natural resources, including Floating Storage Units (FSUs) and
Floating Production Storage and Offloading Units (FPSOs), the Administration is the
Government of the coastal State concerned.

2.3 "Anniversary date" means the day and the month of each year corresponding to the
date of expiry of the Certificate,

2.4 "Ballast Water" means water with its suspended matter taken on board a ship to
control trim, list, draught, stability or stresses of the ship.

2.5 "Ballast Water Capacity" means the total volumetric capacity of any tanks, spaces or
compartments on a ship used for carrying, loading or discharging Ballast Water,
including any multi-use tank, space or compartment designed to allow carriage of
Ballast Water.

2.6 "Ballast Water Management" means mechanical, physical, chemical, and biological
processes, either singularly or in combination, to remove, render harmless, or avoid
the uptake or discharge of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens within Ballast
Water and Sediments.

2.7 "BWMS Code" means the Code for Approval of Ballast Water Management Systems
adopted by resolution MEPC.300(72), as may be amended by the Organization,
provided that such amendments are adopted and brought into force in accordance with
article 19 of the Convention relating to amendment procedures applicable to the
Annex.

2.8 "Certificate" means the International Ballast Water Management Certificate.

2.9 “Committee” means the Marine Environmental Protection Committee of the

International Maritime Organization.

2.10 “Company” means the owner of the ship or any other organization or person such
as the manager, or the bareboat charterer, who has assumed the responsibility for
operation of the ship from the owner of the ship and who on assuming such
responsibility has agreed to take over all the duties and responsibilities imposed by the
International Safety Management Code.

2.11 "Constructed" in respect of a ship means a stage of construction where:

2.11.1 the keel is laid; or
 2.11.2 construction identifiable with the specific ship begins;
2.11.3 assembly of the ship has commenced comprising at least 50 tonnes or
1 percent of the estimated mass of all structural material, whichever is
less; or
2.11.4 the ship undergoes a major conversion.

2.12 “Convention” means the International Convention for the Control and
Management of
Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments.

2.13 "Gross tonnage" means the gross tonnage calculated in accordance with the
tonnage measurement regulations contained in Annex I to the International Convention
on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969 or any successor Convention.

2.14 "Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens" means aquatic organisms or

pathogens which, if introduced into the sea including estuaries, or into fresh water
courses, may create hazards to the environment, human health, property or resources,
impair biological diversity or interfere with other legitimate uses of such areas.

2.15 "Major conversion" means a conversion of a ship:

2.15.1 which changes its ballast water carrying capacity by 15 percent or
greater, or
2.15.2 which changes the ship type, or
2.15.3 which, in the opinion of the Administration, is projected to prolong its
life by ten years or more, or
2.15.4 which results in modifications to its ballast water system other than
component replacement-in-kind. Conversion of a ship to meet the
provisions of regulation D-1 shall not be deemed to constitute a major
conversion for the purpose of this Annex.
2.16 "Sediments" means matter settled out of Ballast Water within a ship.

2.17 "Ship" means a vessel of any type whatsoever operating in the aquatic
environment and includes submersibles, floating craft, floating platforms, FSUs and
FPSOs.

3. Applicability

3.1 In accordance with definition of a ship in Article 1.12, the Ballast Water Management
Convention will apply to vessels of any type including submersibles, floating craft,
floating platforms, FSUs and FPSOs.

3.2 All Panamanian flagged ships with dedicated ballast water tanks or spaces, shall
comply with the following requirements:
 a) Ballast Water Management Plan developed as it is indicated in IMO
Resolution MEPC 127(53) approved by this Administration.
b) Ballast Water Record Book

3.3 Panamanian flagged ships of 400 gross tonnage (GT) and above, shall carry on
board:
a) International Ballast Water Management Certificate (IBWM Certificate),
(excluding floating platforms, FSUs and FPSOs at the location of operation)
b) Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP) approved by this Administration
under IMO Resolution MEPC.127 (53), and
c) Ballast Water Record Book

3.4 As it is indicated in regulation A-3.5, the requirements of regulation B-3 “Ballast Water
Management for Ships” (including D-2 standard), shall not apply to the discharge of
Ballast Water and Sediments from a ship at the same location where the whole of that
Ballast Water and those Sediments originated and provided that no mixing with
unmanaged Ballast Water and Sediments from other areas has occurred. If mixing
has occurred, the Ballast Water taken from other areas is subject to Ballast Water
Management (regulation B-3).

3.5 Mobile offshore units including Mobile Offshore Drilling Units should be surveyed and
issued with an International Ballast Water Management Certificate, according to
regulations E-1 and E-2 of the Convention, as applicable, this is in line to the IMO
guideline BWM.2/Circ.46 - Application of the BWM Convention to Mobile Offshore
Units. As well as it is indicated SEUs and CSUs take on board ballast water and
discharge it for transit to other areas. The transit ballast water and sediments
remaining in the preload and operational ballast tanks of the mobile offshore units may
be treated by an appropriately approved internal circulation method. Other methods of
ballast water management, capable of providing the same level of protection to the
environment, human health, property or resources as described in regulations B-3.1 to
B-3.5 of the Convention, may also be acceptable and should be included into the Ship
Ballast Water Management Plan.

3.6 For entry or re-entry into exclusive operation pursuant to articles 3.2(b) to 3.2(d), the
guidelines contained in BWM.2/Circ.52/Rev.1 - Guidance on entry or re-entry of ships
into exclusive operation within waters under the jurisdiction of a single Party, should be
observed with respect to a number of situations (e.g. mobile offshore units, to visit a
dry-dock among others).

4. Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS)

4.1 The Ballast Water Management Systems Type approved by other Administrations will
be accepted on ships under Panama flag, provided it’s been approved in accordance
with the Code or Guidelines on the Type Approval process for BWMS as follows:
 4.1.1 Resolution MEPC.125 (53) dated 22 July 2005 revoked by Res. MEPC.174
(58) dated 10 October 2008, with effective date 8 September 2017: for
approvals until 28 October 2018, and installed on ships prior 28 October
2020,

4.1.2 Resolution MEPC.279 (70) “2016 Guidelines for approval of Ballast

Water Management Systems (G8)” dated 28 October 2016: for
approvals until 12 October 2019, and installed on ships on or after 28
October 2020,

4.1.3 Resolution MEPC.300 (72) “Code for approval of Ballast Water

Management Systems (BWMS Code) dated 13 April 2018, for approvals
on or after 13 October 2019 upon the entry into force of the associated
amendments to the BWM Convention, and installed on ships on or
after 28 October 2020.

4.2 Manufacturers interested to obtain approval for their Ballast Water Management
System (BWMS) by the Panama Maritime Authority may request a Recognition
Certificate for the Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) through a legal
representative located in Panama. This request is voluntary, and should be submitted
to General Directorate of Merchant Marine with the following documents:

 The list of system equipment limitations, if applicable;

 Certificate of type approval from other Administration;
 Additional supporting document, such as type approvals issued by
Classification Societies;
 Test results carried out by the other Administration and/or Classification
Society, and
 Official Payment Receipt for USD $2,000.00

4.3 Recognized Organizations (R.O.) should conduct an additional survey during sea trials
of a Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) to confirm the operation and efficacy
of the system.

4.4 Ships involved in voyages that include ports in the United Stated or its jurisdictional
waters, shall be fitted with Ballast Water Management Systems accepted by the United
State Coast Guard (USCG) according to the timeline set by that Administration.

4.5 Noting that Parties to the Ballast Water Management Convention are called to
implement the draft amended regulation B-3, that has been approved by the Marine
Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC) during its 71 session, through the
Resolution MEPC.287(71) of 7 July 2017 – Implementation of the BWM Convention
which superseded the resolution A.1088(28) of 4 December 2013, immediately after
entry into force of the Convention, and as per Resolution MEPC.297(72), of 13 April
 2018, stakeholders are informed that compliance with regulation D-2 is as follows for
ships constructed:

4.5.1 before 2009 with any ballast water capacity from the applicable renewal
survey as described in paragraph 3.7,

4.5.2 in or after 2009 and before 8 September 2017 with a ballast water
capacity of less than 5000 m3 from the date of the applicable renewal
survey described in paragraph 4.8,

4.5.3 in or after 2009 and before 2012 with a ballast water capacity of 5000
m3 or more from the date of the applicable renewal survey described in
paragraph 4.8,

4.5.4 in or after 2012 and before 2017 with a ballast water capacity of 5000
m3 or more from the date of the applicable renewal survey described in
paragraph 4.8,

4.6 Ship constructed on or after 8 September 2017 shall conduct Ballast Water
Management that at least meets the standard described in regulation D-2.

4.7 In case of oil tankers of less than 150 gross tonnage, and every other ship less than of
400 gross tonnage constructed before 8 September 2017 with any ballast water ballast
capacity, shall conduct Ballast Water Management that at least meets the standard
described in regulation D-2 not later than 8 September 2024.

4.8 Installation of BWMS to comply with regulation D-2, shall be carried out after the entry
into force of the Convention (8 September 2017), in case of ships constructed prior
8 September 2017, as follows:

4.8.1 On the first renewal survey - 1st IOPP (R) following the date of entry into
force of the Convention (8 September 2017), provided this renewal
survey is completed on or after 8 September 2019, or

4.8.2 On the first renewal survey - 1st IOPP (RS) following the date of entry
into force of the Convention (8 September 2017), provided that this
renewal survey is completed on or after 8 September 2014 but prior to 8
September 2017.

4.8.3 On the second renewal survey - 2nd IOPP (RS) following the date of
entry into force of the Convention (8 September 2017) if the first renewal
survey - 1st IOPP (RS) following the date of entry into force of the
Convention is completed prior to 8 September 2019, provided that the
conditions of paragraph 4.8.2 are not met.
 4.8.4 The following diagram has been prepared with the purpose to assist on
the understanding of the paragraphs 4.8.1 to 4.8.3 above, on the
implementation of D-2 standard on board ships constructed prior 8
September 2017.

Entry into force

of BWMC
Last IOPP
RS [8/sept/2014 – [8/sept/2017 –
 7/sept/2017] 7/sept/2019] 8/sept/2019 

1st IOPP renewal survey 2nd IOPP renewal survey 1st IOPP renewal
after EIF of the after EIF of the survey after EIF of
Convention Convention the Convention
D2
compliance
 2019 - 2022 2022 - 2024 2019 

Note: 1st and 2nd IOPP renewal surveys referred above are those surveys carried
out after the entry into force of the Convention.

5. Instructions for the commissioning test of Ballast Water Management

Systems (BWMS)

5.1 Given the adoption of the Resolution MEPC.325 (75) amending regulation E-1 and its
entry into force by 1 June 2022, delegated RO’s are instructed to verify that:

5.1.1 At the initial survey before the ship is put in service or before the Certificate
required under regulation E-2 or E-3 is issued for the first time a
commissioning test has been conducted to validate the installation of any
ballast water management system by demonstrating that its mechanical,
physical, chemical and biological processes are working properly, taking into
account the 2020 Guidance for the commissioning testing of ballast water
management systems (BWM.2/Circ.70/Rev.1), as may be amended.

5.1.2 In case that the indicative analysis testing during commissioning test will
result as non-complying, then a detailed analysis should be conducted, using
as reference the Guideline content in BWM.2-Circ.42-Rev.2). Indicative
analysis and Detail analysis are defined in BWM.2/Circ.42/Rev.2, as may be
amended.

5.1.3 Laboratories used for detailed analysis (if required) should be accepted or
approved by the ROs considering the requirements in the Code for the
 Recognized Organizations with regards to subcontracting and service
suppliers.

5.1.4 Commissioning test should not apply to ships that had already a BWMS
installed and certified for D-2 standard, unless an additional survey is
undertaken for the installation of any ballast water management system
(BWMS), this survey shall confirm that a commissioning test has been
conducted to validate the installation of the system by demonstrating that its
mechanical, physical, chemical and biological processes are working
properly, taking into account the 2020 Guidance for the commissioning
testing of ballast water management systems (BWM.2/Circ.70/Rev.1), as may
be amended.

5.1.5 In cases where the sampling analysis for indicative analysis test is not
possible to conduct during the ship’s commissioning test (e.g. salinity of
ambient water is outside the System Design Limitations of the BWMS, lack of
equipment for indicative analysis required), please inform to this
Administration and the RO responsible for the IBWMC surveys to authorize
the issuance a Conditional Certificate (refer to MMC.156).

6. Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP) approval

6.1 BWMP will be evaluated, revised and approved by SEGUMAR Offices, in accordance
with the requirement of Regulation B-1 of the Ballast Water Management Convention;
the BWMP should take into account IMO Resolution MEPC.127 (53) - Guidelines for
ballast water management and development of ballast water management plans (G4)
adopted by the IMO on 22 July 2005 as amended by Resolution MEPC.306(73) dated
26 October 2018.

6.2 To apply for the approval, ship-owners and ship-operators as well as shipyards are
invited to access the following link: E-Segumar, from 15 March 2017. The link will
allow users to upload the Ship’s BWMP.

6.3 The BWMP will be approved electronically (according MMC 355 – Use of Electronic
Certificates Onboard paragraph 3.1.1 and electronic copy should be placed on board,
and available for inspection at all times.

6.4 From 15 March 2017, this Administration will issue an electronic Statement for Ballast
Water Management Plan to the Company, valid for one (1) month, upon receipt of the
BWMP for review and approval.

6.5 Ships not fitted with a BWMS or ships fitted with a BWMS which has been subject to
modification should review and update their BWMP upon installation or modification, as
per the requirements of Resolution MEPC.127 (53) of 22 July 2005 as amended by
 Resolution MEPC.306(73) dated 26 October 2018. In these cases, BWMP should be
submitted to the Administration for re-approval in accordance with paragraph 6.2 of this
circular.

6.6 Ballast Water Management Plans, previously approved by Recognized Organizations

at their own behalf in accordance with Resolution A.868(20) adopted by the IMO on 27
November 1997, will remain valid and will be accepted by this Administration for the
issuance of the IBWMC, until the plan requires revision due to the installation of a
BWMS and the BWMP requires to be updated under IMO Resolution MEPC 127 (53)
of 22 July 2005 as amended by Resolution MEPC.306(73) dated 26 October 2018.

6.7 Payments for BWMP approval can be made through wire transfer, bank details can be
requested to the following email addresses [email protected];
[email protected]; or full payment can be made to the Merchant Marine
Qualified Consulates (no handling fees should apply, as per Resolution JD No.002-
2017 of 26 January 26, 2017).

6.8 The fees set for the approval of a BWMP is as follows:

6.8.1 First time Evaluation or significant amendments (e.g. Procedures,

Calculations, Equipment change’s or replacement, Structural
modifications.) USD 1,500.00 for each ship.

6.8.2 Amendments due to Ship’s Name Change, Call Sign, Gross Tonnage,
etc., USD 500.00 for each ship.

6.8.3 New application should be placed through following link: E-Segumar, in

order to apply for any cases of the above paragraphs (6.8.1, 6.8.2).

6.9 BWMP developed as per the guideline on Resolution MEPC.127(53) adopted by the
IMO on 22 July 2005, and amended through Resolution MEPC.306(73) adopted on 26
October 2018 must be evaluated and approved by this Administration, considering that
this Guideline is applicable from the date of entry into force of the Convention, plans
may include contingency measures developed taking into account guidelines
developed by the Organization, (Refer to the Guidance on contingency measures
under the BWM Convention - BWM.2/Circ.62). These contingency measures
described may include procedures approved under D-1 standard.

6.10 Therefore, BWMP including procedures in line with standards D1 as contingency

measure or other ballast water management methods in case of ships already
complying with D-2 standard are accepted. Ships operating or entering under
jurisdictional waters of other States should request acceptance from the coastal state
to implement D-1 standard as contingency measure as well as any other ballast water
management method employed as a contingency measure.
 Note: Given the IMO unified interpretations to the BWM Convention approved during
MEPC 78 session - BWM.2/Circ.66/Rev.3 dated June 24, 2022, the contingency
measures and other ballast water management methods used in addition to D-2 will
only be reflected in the ship’s Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP)

7. International Ballast Water Management Certificate (IBWMC)

7.1 Ships of 400 gross tonnage subject to the surveys required by the Convention
(Regulation E-1) shall be issued after satisfactory completion, with the corresponding
IBWMC (Regulation E-2).

7.2 Recognized Organizations authorized to perform such surveys shall issue an Interim
International Ballast Water Management Certificate (Interim IBWMC) valid for a period
of maximum five (5) months, after satisfactory completion of the correspondent initial or
renewal survey.

7.3 Initial Survey (in connection with Certificates issued for the first time), may be
performed prior the entry into force of the Convention, and Interim Certificates can be
issued by the approved Recognized Organizations, to be valid from the date of entry
into force of the Convention and valid for a period of maximum five (5) months.

7.4 The ship’s survey to issue the IBWMC for the first time is allowed to be carried out in
conjunction with the annual survey of the statutory certificates in case of existing ships
(for BWMS installation dates to comply with regulation D-2, refer to section 4 and 5 in
this circular).

7.5 Application for full term Certificate IBWMC should be made through the following link:
E-Segumar, since 15 March 2017.

7.6 The full term IBWMC will be issued as an electronic certificate that can be printed by
the user when needed. Refer to (MMC 355 – Use of Electronic Certificates Onboard
paragraph 3.1.8). IBWMC endorsements shall be conducted by Recognized
Organizations (refer to section 9 in this circular).

7.7 The Full-term International Ballast Water Management Certificate (IBWMC) will be
issued by Segumar Offices (including branch offices) after receiving through the
electronic system, copy of the following documents:

7.7.1 Interim Certificate issued by the Recognized Organization;

7.7.2 Survey Report; and
7.7.3 BWMP approval*
7.7.4 Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate
7.7.5 Official Payment receipt
*At this stage, plan should be approved by SEGUMAR Offices as per Resolution
MEPC.127(53) of 22 July 2005 as amended by Resolution MEPC.306(73) dated 26
October 2018, therefore approval copy or the correspondent Statement of Ballast Water
Management Plan issued by this Administration, should be available in our records. In
case of those ships with an approved BWMP as per the guidelines of Resolution A.868(20)
of 1997, by a duly approved Recognized Organization, evidence of such approval and the
BWMP shall be uploaded on E-SEGUMAR web site (ej. BWMP should have completely
reflecting approval as per Resolution A.868(20). In these cases where RO’s stamped seal
do not reflect approval as per Resolution A.868(20), the RO should provide an attestation
or statement letter confirming that BWMP has been approved under the aforementioned
Resolution; copy of that letter shall be attached to the BWMP. The above will be verified by
this administration, with the evaluation of the BWMP developed under IMO Resolution
A.868 (20).

7.8 The fee for the issuance of the Full-term IBWMC is USD 300.00. (No handling fees
should apply in case of payments made through the Merchant Marine Qualified
Consulates, as per Resolution JD No.002-2017 of 26 January 2017).

7.8.1 The fee for Modifications or Reissuance of the Full-term IBWMC is USD
300.00. (This will apply in the following cases: (Ej. Ship’s Name Change,
Call Sign, Gross Tonnage, Method of Ballast, Ballast Water Capacity
etc.).

7.8.2 New application should be placed through the following link: E-Segumar,
in order to apply for any cases of the above paragraphs (7.8, 7.8.1).

7.9 International Ballast Water Management Certificates (IBWMC), issued from 1 June
2022, will be valid until the expiry date of the Cargo Ship Safety Construction
Certificate, to ensure alignment with the remaining statutory certificates (Refer to “five-
year period” meaning indicated in Res. A.1156 (32) – Survey Guidelines under the
Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), 2021). Therefore,
Recognized Organizations are urged to include the date of validity of the Cargo Ship
Safety Construction Certificate as well as the IBWMC anniversary date within the
Survey Status Report related to the Ballast Water Management Convention. In each
case the Full-term IBWMC shall not exceed the five (5) years period of validity.

7.10 Since the entry into force of the International Ballast Water Convention 2004, de-
harmonization of the IOPP Certificate should not be conducted. The IOPP link to the
IBWMC is in terms of reference for the installation of the Ballast Water Treatment
System (D-2 standard compliance) which is aligned to the IOPP Certificate Renewal
Survey (Refer to Paragraph 4.8 above).

7.11 Given the approval by the IMO of a new consolidated text of unified interpretations
to the BWM Convention during MEPC 78 session - BWM.2/Circ.66/Rev.3 dated June
 24, 2022, the contingency measures and other ballast water management methods
used in addition to D-2 will only be reflected in the ship’s Ballast Water Management
Plan (BWMP).

Therefore, even if the ship is also using other ballast water management methods as
contingency measures, the ships fitted with a BWMS will be certified in accordance
with the D-2 standard as the principal ballast water management method employed on
the ship. Certificates already issued will be updated at the opportunity of the next
survey endorsement reported to this Administration to align the IBWMC to the unified
interpretations indicated in the previous paragraph, and to ensure compliance with
amendment to appendix I – form of the International Ballast Water Management
Certificate (Resolution MEPC.325(75) adopted through Resolution No.107-OMI-247-
DGMM dated 14 December 2021).

8. Applications for Recognition

8.1 Recognized Organizations interested in conducting surveys and issuing Interim

certificates in accordance with the BWM Convention, should apply directly to the
Merchant Marine General Directorate.

8.2 The Recognized Organizations interested to obtain authorization from this

Administration should apply directly to the Merchant Marine General Directorate,
according to Resolution No.106-023-DGMM dated May 18, 2022, article 3.

8.3 The issuance of Interim certificates by the Recognized Organizations does not require
the payment of additional fees.

8.4 Endorsement of corresponding Annual or Intermediate Surveys shall be carried out by

the Recognized Organization duly approved to do so, after satisfactory completion of
the same, as it is required by the Convention (Regulation E-1).

8.5 The IBWMC endorsements by the Recognized Organizations are subject to the fees
indicated in our Resolution J.D. No. 076-2021 dated October 28, 2021, amended by
Resolution J.D. No. 011-2022 dated February 24, 2022..

9. Certificate Endorsement

9.1 Endorsement of the IBWMC issued by the Administration (electronic Full-term IBWMC)
shall be carried out by the Recognized Organization surveyors nominated for this
purpose at the completion of the correspondent survey on board the ship and on the
printed version.

9.2 The information of the Responsible surveyor, RO, place, date and other information
required to be inserted on the endorsement spaces shall be communicated by the RO
at the earliest opportunity sending an e-mail to [email protected], in order to
 update this information on the system and on the electronic Full-term IBWMC. The
certificate will be updated by this Administration at the earliest opportunity, therefore
manual endorsement or electronic version of the endorsement shall be considered as
valid.

9.3 It is strongly recommended that the Recognized Organization, that carried out the
Initial Survey, and issued the Interim Certificate (from 1 August 2020), be the same
Recognized Organization to endorse the subsequent surveys of the IBWMC (Full Term
issued by the Administration) in order to maintain validity of the Certificate.

9.4 Those operators or ship-owners, who decide to transfer the ship of Recognized
Organization, shall have regard to the procedure for Transfer of Statutory and Class
Certification, described in MMC-309. In case that endorsement of the International
Ballast Water Management Certificate is carried out by a different RO at ship-owner or
ship-operator request, this Administration shall be informed at the earliest opportunity.

9.5 In cases where extension is authorized under regulations E-5.5 or E-5.6, the RO shall
report to this Administration according to 9.2 above.

10. Overdue Annual/Intermediate Surveys and Revalidation of IBWMC:

10.1 A certificate will cease to be valid if the annual/intermediate surveys are not
completed within the periods specified in Section E, Regulation E-1of the Convention.
In such cases, authorization may be given to allow the revalidation of the certificate,
as per the RO’s procedures to conduct the appropriate survey.

10.2 For revalidation purposes an appropriate survey must be done and should consist
of the requirement of the survey that was not carried out, but its thoroughness and
stringency should have regard to the time this survey was allowed to lapse.

10.3 After completion of survey the surveyor on board shall write down “This certificate
was revalidated after completion of the corresponding survey in accordance with (PMA
authorization Ref.xxx)’ at the left side blank space of endorsement and endorsed with
Signed, Place and Date on the certificates (refer to paragraph 7.1 above).

10.4 In case that the certificate it’s necessary to be re-issued, an application for a new
Certificate must be made through our website E-Segumar. The new certificate will be
issued with the same validity as the previous Full-term IBWMC.

10.5 According to regulation E-5.8 if an annual survey is completed before (in advance)
the period specified in regulation E-1, then an amendment of the anniversary to a date
which shall not be more than three months later than the date on which the survey was
completed shall be endorsed on the Certificate, to ensure that the subsequent annual
or intermediate survey required by regulation E-1 shall be completed at the intervals
 prescribed by that regulation using the new Anniversary date. In these cases the
Certificate expiry date may remain unchanged provided one or more annual surveys,
as appropriate, are carried out so that the maximum intervals between the surveys
prescribed by regulation E-1 are not exceeded.

10.6 The updated status of the Full-term International Ballast Water Management
Certificate (Full-term IBWMC), must be included, in the “Ship Status Report” prepared
by the Recognized Organization.

11. Special Considerations

11.1 This Administration, taking into account that IMO Marine Environmental Protection
Committee adopted at its 71 session the Resolution MEPC.287(71) of 7 July 2017,
superseding the Assembly Resolution A.1088(28) have posted the Merchant Marine
Circular No.342 amended.

11.2 As per results discussion of proposal made to the Marine Environmental Protection
Committee (MEPC) during its session 71, regulation B-3 is applicable to top side tanks
and cargo holds of bulk carrier ships. Considering that all tanks/ holds containing water
taken on board to control trim, list, draught, stability or stresses of the ship, regardless
of ballast water discharge intentions should be recorded.

11.3 In case that conditional certificate (Conditional IBWMC) it is required please refer to
our Merchant Marine Circular No.156 and 324.

11.4 Authorizations will be limited to specific periods of validity according to exceptional

circumstances or according to the temporary measures already approved by this
Administration.

July, 2022 – Reference o) added. Paragraphs 6.10, 7.4, 7.6, 7.10, 8.2 and 8.5 amended.
Paragraphs 7.11 and 9.5 added.
June, 2022 – references m) and n) added. The following paragraphs amended for clarity
and updating purposes: 5.1.2, 6.1, 6.5, 6.6, 7.7 *note, 7.9.
March, 2022 – Renumbering 3.5 and after point 9; amendment to the following points 5,
5.1, 5.1.1, 5.1.4, 5.1.5, 6, 6.9, 6.10, 7.9, 9.1, 9.2, 9.4, 10; reference l) and points 10.5 and
11.4 added; 5.1.6 deleted.
March, 2021 – paragraph 6.8.2 and 6.9 amended.
July, 2020 – section 2, 4.1.1 to 4.1.3 added; 4.1, 6.9, 7.2, 7.3, 7.7.1, 7.9, 8.1, 8.3, 9.1, 9.2,
9.4.4, 9.5; points 8.2, 8.3 deleted; following points reference updated 4.5.2, 4.5.3, 4.5.4,
4.8.3, 4.8.4, 6.5, 6.8.3; previous point 3.9 renumbered as section 5.
March, 2020 – paragraphs 1. Minor correction1, 3.8 amended for further clarification and
3.8.1 to 3.8.6 added; 4.7 email address amended.
December, 2019 – paragraph 3.8 amended for clearer instruction.
October, 2019 – amendment to 2.2, 2.2 a), 2.4, 4.9, 7.1 and text of 2.5, 3.8, 5.10 added,
December, 2018 – 3.4 amended; a), b) and c) of 6.8 deleted; 6.8 amended and
renumbered; 6.10 and 6.10.1 deleted and renumbering; point 7 inserted, paragraphs in
this point renumbered and amended, text 7.4.3 inserted, paragraph 8.5 added.
July, 2018 – New paragraphs 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 and 6.10 added.
July, 2018- amendment of the following paragraph: 6.6.1, inclusion of paragraph 6.6.1 a,
b, c, inclusion of paragraph 6.2, paragraph 6.3 and 6.4 change of numeration.
May, 2018 – amendment of the following: paragraph 2.3.b, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6, 4.8.1, 4.8.2,
inclusion of paragraph 4.8.3, amendment of paragraph 5.6, 5.7.3 asterisk note, inclusion of
paragraph 5.8.1, 5.8.2, inclusion of paragraphs 6.1.1, 6.1.2, 6.1.3.
September, 2017 - amendment of the following: reference “f”, paragraphs 1.1, 3.4, 4.4,
4.5, 4.9, asterisk note, 5.9 and 7.1. New paragraph added 6.6.
July, 2017 – reference f), amendment to paragraphs 1.1, 1.2, 2.2 a), 4.2, 4.4, 4.7, 5.8, 7.1;
paragraphs 1.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 7.4
March, 2017 – 4.1, 4.6, asterisk note, 7.2 amended, and 4.9 added.
February, 2017.

Inquiries concerning the subject of this Merchant Marine Circular or any other request
should be forward to:

SEGUMAR-Panama
General Directorate of Merchant Marine
Panama Maritime Authority
Phone: (507) 501- 5090
E-mail: [email protected] for Certificates, or
[email protected] for Plan Approval.
Website: https://panamashipregistry.com/circulars/