Panama Canal adopts security rules similar to ISPS code

Panama Canal adopts security rules similar to ISPS code    The Panama Canal Authority said, effective July 1, it will proceed voluntarily with the adoption of security requirements, devised itself, which are 'similar to those established by the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, even though the Panama Canal does not fall within the definition of a port facility as contained in the ISPS Code.'
   All ships to which the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS 74) applies will be expected, upon arrival at the Panama Canal, to comply with the ISPS Code and the authority's own security regulations.
   Vessels that are not able to fully comply with these requirements may be subject to control and compliance measures, which may include a more detailed inspection and assignment of additional resources, at their cost, it said. 'These measures could also result in transit delays through the canal, or denial of transit,' the authority said.
   Due to the complexities of Panama Canal operations, the authority will not be able to provide advance notice of the names of its security personnel that may board a vessel while it remains in canal waters. All such personnel will have official identification cards, which will not be surrendered to ship's officers.
   The authority also said a new section of its Internet page contains information on the status of the canal's transit booking system, showing booking slots available for both small vessels (under 91 feet in beam) and larger ones (over 91 feet in beam). See www.pancanal.com/eng/maritime/transit/index.html .