Panama Canal Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plans

The Panama Canal Authority issued an Advisory stating that a new Section Four has been added to Chapter IX of the Regulation on Navigation in Panama Canal Waters. The new articles require vessels transiting the Canal to have Panama Canal Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plans (PCSOPEPs), among other things. The PCSOPEPs must include identification of the oil spill removal organization (OSRO) previously reviewed by the Panama Canal Authority and hired by the vessel to conduct appropriate cleanup tasks in the event of an oil spill. The PCSOPEP must be submitted for review by the Authority. The new requirements come into effect on January 1, 2004. Source: HK Law