As ClassNK have already informed you by TEC-0732 (dated 1 May 2008), the Government of Panama (Panama Maritime Authority, hereinafter referred to as PMA) has notified ClassNK of Merchant Marine Circular NO.156 regarding issuance of Exemption Certificates as per attached.
Please be informed of the procedures regarding the issuance of Exemption Certificates as follows.

[In cases an Exemption Certificate is required as Panamanian ship for the first time]
(New shipbuilding, Flag Change, etc.)
1. An application for an Exemption Certificate shall be send to PMA directly by the Shipowner or Manager by e-mail. ClassNK is not admitted to apply to the Administration. The e-mail is to be attached with the following documents.
(1) Application for Exemption Certificate (Application form* designated by PMA)
(2) Copy of the relevant interim statutory certificate** (SE certificate, etc. including its supplement such as Form E)
(3) Copy of the Registry Certificate (Patente)
(4) STATEMENT regarding solid bulk cargoes to be intended onboard issued by surveyor in charge (for exemption from FFEA only)
e-mail address: exemptions@segumar.com

2. PMA issues a full term Exemption Certificate if they grant exemption to a ship. See the following procedures 7 and later.

3. PMA authorizes ClassNK to issue an interim Exemption Certificate with a validity of 30 days on a case-by-case basis. If you need an interim Exemption Certificate to be issued by ClassNK on the completion of the first survey, please apply to PMA in advance enough so that the authorization is issued before the survey completion. The request has to be included a date of validity of relevant full term certificate (because relevant certificate has not been issued yet) and a note to the effect that "on the completion of the first survey (e.g. delivery, flag change, etc.) scheduled on day month year, interim Exemption Certificate valid for 30 is needed to be issued by ClassNK".

4. If ClassNK issues an interim Ex