Panama Canal - Voluntary Implementation Of ISPS Code

June 2004

The Panama Canal does not fall within the definition of a Port Facility contained in the ISPS Code. However, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has decided to comply voluntarily with the Code by adoption of security requirements, through its regulations, in similar form to those established by the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS),

Therefore, effective 1 July 2004, all vessels to which the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS 74) applies and which plan to call at Panama Canal waters will be expected to comply with the ISPS Code and related Panama Canal Regulations. Additionally, those vessels not required to comply with the ISPS Code will be expected to provide evidence that they have implemented security measures on board comparable to those required by the ISPS Code.

Further details are given in ACP Advisory A-31-2004 and Advisory A-34-2004.