The Panamanian Government informed ClassNK that all Panamanian flagged ships carrying Solid Bulk Cargoes other than Grain should be provided with a relevant Statement of Compliance with the IMSBC Code by the first periodical survey after 1 January 2011. (MERCHANTMARINE CIRCULAR MMC-214)

It is described that the ships not having BC Code fitness certification or IMSBC Code fitness certification and which will carry Solid Bulk Cargoes other than Grain should have IMSBC Code fitness certification before loading on or after the effective date of 1 January 2011 in MERCHANTMARINE CIRCULAR MMC-214. On the other hand, ClassNK confirmed that it is acceptable to be provided the IMSBC Code fitness certification by the first periodical survey after 1 January 2011 from Panamanian Government.

Accordingly, for Panamanian flagged ships carrying Solid Bulk Cargoes other than Grain on or after 1 January 2011, please submit ClassNK an application for the IMSBC Code fitness certification in advance. As to the guidance for the IMSBC Code fitness certification, please refer to ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-0772.


For any questions about the above, please contact:

NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI (ClassNK)
Material and Equipment Department, Administration Center, Head Office
Address: 4-7 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8567, Japan
Tel.: +81-3-5226-2020
Fax: +81-3-5226-2057
E-mail: eqd@classnk.or.jp