Panama issues circular on reporting occupational accidents under MLC, 2006

The Panama Maritime Authority has issued Merchant Marine Circular MMC-274, providing detailed instructions on reporting occupational accidents, injuries, and diseases on Panamanian-flagged vessels. This circular is in line with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, as amended, specifically Standard A4.3.5, which deals with health and safety protection and accident prevention for seafarers.

1. Purpose of the Circular

The circular's primary purpose is to ensure compliance with international maritime safety standards by informing relevant stakeholders of their responsibility to report any occupational accidents, injuries, or diseases that occur on Panamanian-flagged vessels. This is part of Panama’s efforts to improve seafarer safety and health on board ships, as mandated by the MLC, 2006.

2. Scope

This circular applies to all Panamanian-flagged vessels operating in international waters (i.e., outside the Republic of Panama). This includes commercial ships and other vessels flying the Panamanian flag when navigating beyond the country's territorial waters.

3. Panama Flag State Responsibilities

The Panama Maritime Authority, through the General Directorate of Merchant Marine, holds several key responsibilities under the MLC, including:

• Ensuring that all deaths of seafarers working on Panamanian-flagged vessels are thoroughly investigated, recorded, and reported to the International Labour Office (ILO). This data will be included in a