Page 98 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΜΑΙΟΣ 2024

THE PANAMA In recent years, geopolitical crises have

resulted in the increasing imposition of
MARITIME sanctions on ships. How does Panama’s
registry ensure compliance with these
AUTHORITY IS Flag registries, in general, play a crucial role in
sanctions?
CONTINUOUSLY ensuring compliance with sanctions imposed

on ships due to geopolitical crises. The Panama
STRIVING TO MEET Maritime Authority (AMP) ensures its compliance
through several practices, such as:
THE EVOLVING • Monitoring and Screening: The Panama Flag
Registry maintains various tools and plat-
NEEDS OF THE forms with which it monitors the vessels
making up its fleet. In addition, it has gen-
MARITIME erated mechanisms and communication to
verify that vessels wishing to join its fleet are
INDUSTRY not related to international sanctions issues;
it continually monitors the vessels flying its
flag to ensure that they are not involved in
activities against national interests and the
global maritime industry.
• The due diligence performed upon receipt of
a flag request is not only applied to the ves-
sel but also extends to its owners, economic
groups, and operators, among others.
• Documentation and Verification: The Pan-
ama Flag Registry requires comprehensive
documentation from shipowners and opera-
tors, including details of ownership, manage-
ment, and operations. The registry verifies the
* We wish to thank the Ambassador and General Consul authenticity of these documents and ensures
of Panama in Greece, H.E. Mrs Julie Lymberopulos, that vessels are not being used to circumvent
for her valuable assistance in coordinating our sanctions by changing ownership or flag.
magazine’s interview with the Panama Maritime • Inspections and Audits: The Panama Flag
Authority headquarters. Registry conducts regular inspections and

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