1. The Panama Maritime Administration strongly recommends all Panamanian-flagged vessels to take all security measures and avoid transiting through Ukrainian and Russian waters in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
2. Due to recent attacks on commercial vessels in Ukrainian port areas, the Panama Maritime Administration strongly recommends that all Panamanian-flagged vessels take all necessary safety precautions.
3. Ukraine continues to be severely affected by the conflict with Russia, with several major ports closed or occupied, posing a significant risk to vessels calling at Ukrainian ports. The threat of war, including missile and drone attacks from Russia, the danger of drifting sea mines, and the potential for damage to port infrastructure and operational disruptions, has significantly impacted vessels in the area. Despite this, the following six Ukrainian ports remain operational, ensuring crucial exports, particularly grain, via a temporary corridor or the Danube River route: Odesa, Chornomorsk, Pivdennyi, Reni, Izmail, and Ust-Dunaysk.
4. All Panamanian vessels in Ukrainian waters and/or Ukrainian ports must comply with the specific precautionary measures imposed by the Government of Ukraine.
5. We recommend that captains maintain close communication with local shipping agents for the latest information and updates, and follow the specific navigation routes provided by the authorities on site.
6. In case of any Panamanian registry vessel that wishes to apply for departure from Ukrainian ports and their technical certificates are expired or audits/inspections have not been carried out, they must contact the Panama Maritime Authority, Segumar Offices (extensions@segumar.com or conditionals@segumar.com) for the corresponding instruction.
7. The Panama Maritime Authority, aware of the situation, is in constant communication with the International Maritime Organization to ensure and guarantee a safe exit for all ships that are within Ukrainian and Russian waters in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, including port facilities.
8. Due to the current situation in the areas of the Black Sea, Sea of Azov and its surroundings, the Panama Maritime Administration requires all Panama registered vessels to raise the level of security according to the ship’s Security Plan and to take extreme measures of safety and security for both the ship and its crew.
9. Maritime traffic through the Sea of Azov is limited and risky due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, where Russia controls access through the Kerch Strait and implements blockades and exclusion zones for naval exercises, effectively hindering commercial navigation, for which Panama-registered ships are advised to avoid such area and coordinate with the local agent for any movement.
10. For those Panamanian vessels in Ukrainian Ports or transiting the above zone must keep the utmost vigilance and increase security conditions aboard too protect the vessel and its crew.
11. Port operations in the ports of Ukraine are limited and intended for the transport of grains, as expressed in international media, for which the Panama registered vessels that are in these ports and their crews must remain in port until the Ukrainian authorities grant permission for departure or disembarkment of the crew. During their stay in port, they must implement all security measures equivalent to Security Level III, as required in their Ship Security Plan in accordance with the ISPS Code. Currently, ships are not allowed to enter or leave the ports.
12. It is reaffirmed to avoid any transit or operation within the Black Sea, Sea of Azov and its surroundings.
13. For safety, the automatic identification system (AIS) and the LRIT must be always turned on except in those cases where the captain considers that the security of the vessel could be compromised or when a security incident is imminent. In accordance with the provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), in the same way, VHF Channel 16 must be monitored and communication must be maintained at all times with local authorities and with the Panama Maritime Administration.
14. In those cases that the Captains / S.S.O. and the companies decide and consider the switch off of the aforementioned equipment, they must notify and report the status of the ship and its crew every 4 hours via email to nardila@amp.gob.pa and isps@amp.gob.pa
15. The Panama Maritime Administration strongly encourage following the recommendations listed below and, on the document issued by members of the maritime industry and stake holders:
    • Undertake a new ship- and voyage-specific threat risk assessment before entering any region where there has been an incident or the threat has changed.
    • After the risk assessment, review the Ship’s Security Plan.
    • Review section 2 of BMP5, which outlines non-piracy threats and the Global Counter-Piracy Guidance.
    • Maintain a full and vigilant bridge watches.
    • Maintain a strict communication watch and establish communication with all vessels coming close.
    • Ensure strict boarding controls in place.
    • Only lower accommodation gangways or ladders when necessary.
    • Rig outboard lighting where possible provided when they do not interfere with keeping a safe lookout, particularly over the stern and rig/use searchlights if available.
    • Monitoring Channel 16 t VHF and other communication channels.
    • Review communication notices on mined areas at https://armada.defensa.gob.es/ihm/Aplicaciones/Navareas/Index_Navareas_xml_en.html and contact local port authorities for additional information.
    • Check all fire-fighting equipment available for immediate use. Make sure the emergency fire pump is available if any maintenance is being undertaken.
    • Keep the Automatic Information System (AIS) and LRIT working properly, in order to be able to continuously send positions of the vessels.
16. The boarding of security companies that provide armed personnel on board Panama registered vessels in Ukrainian and Russian waters is prohibited.
17. We recommend that all vessels follow the instructions of the local authorities regarding the transit of the crew in port areas. Review your communication security plan on board, in case of an unforeseen incident.
18. In the event of any incident or suspicious activity, they must be notified as soon as possible to:
    Panama Maritime Authority
    Maritime Ships Security Department
    Phone: (507) 501-5037 / 5085
    E-mail: isps@amp.gob.pa , nardila@amp.gob.pa

    OTAN
    info@shipping.nato.int
    +44 (0) 1923-956574

    January, 2026 – Modification of paragraphs 2,3,4,9 and 15.
    November, 2022 – Inclusion of paragraph 8.
    August, 2022 – Inclusion of paragraphs 2,3,4,5,6 and modification of paragraphs 9,10, 11,15 and 18.
    May, 2022 – Modification of paragraphs 1, 2 and 3.
    March, 2022 – Inclusion of paragraph 3, 9 and 11.
    March, 2022 – Modification of paragraph 8 and new paragraphs 2,4,5,6,7 and 9.
    February, 2022 – New.

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

• MMN-03-2022 PDF-Download