The Panama Maritime Authority has revised Merchant Marine Circular MMC-195 (in September 2025) regarding the implementation of LRIT Conformance Test for Panamanian flagged ships. Therefore, the contents of the previous ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-1351 (dated 11 June 2025) have been updated accordingly.
This Technical Information supersedes the previous ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-1351.

-1. The circular applies to the following types of Panamanian flagged vessels, engaged on international voyages. (MMC-195, 4.1, 4.2)
- All passenger ships
- Cargo ships of 300 gross tonnage and above
- Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU) that are propelled by mechanical means
- Offshore Support Vessels, Special Purpose Ships and Mobile Offshore Units (MOU) of 300 gross tonnage and above that are propelled by mechanical means
- Fishing vessels and/or engaged in fishing-related activities.
-2. The above vessels are required to undergo an LRIT Conformance Test in the following cases and hold a valid Conformance Test Report (CTR) with a QR code (valid for one year), to be issued upon completion of the said Conformance Test. (MMC-195, 4.8.1)
(1) All new installation or changes to LRIT shipborne equipment
(2) All existing LRIT equipment at the time of change of flag
(3) If the onboard LRIT equipment ceases to operate
(4) When the recognized ASP has notified the Administration that the onboard equipment is not operating within the parameters of the conformance test report and/or in accordance with the LRIT performance standards
(5) If the vessel has changed flag or has been re-registered under the Panamanian registry
(6) If the vessel wishes to operate outside the maritime area indicated in the conformance test report
(7) At twelve (12) month intervals, on or before the anniversary date of the conformance test
-3. In case of changes in vessel name, ownership, Maritime Mobile Service Identity, Distinctive Number or Letters, Gross Tonnage, or Ship Areas where the vessel is certified to operate, a new Conformance Test is not required, but an amended CTR must be obtained. An amended CTR does not extend its validity period. (MMC-195, 4.7.3, 4.8.2)

(To be continued)