【Panama Circular】 Definition of HRA in Indian Ocean and GOA and security measure //Update on 5 Mar. 2024//

Panama Maritime Authority(PMA) updated a Circular MMC-230 'Ship Protection Measures to Pirates Attacks'. The HRA for the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden(GOA) by industry associations has been eliminated as of January 2023, and PMA's policy on this has been clearly stated.  In addition, PMA's Circular on Security, which had been distributed among several circulars, has been consolidated into MMC-230.

This circular require Panamanian Flag ships to implement security measures same as 2022.

1．HRA in Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden

Below is a definition of HRA in Indian Ocean and GOA which is same as the area before 2023 set by industry association.

From position A (Latitude of 01 30’S on the Somali coast), a line to:
• Position B (01° 30’ S – 046° 00’ E), a line to
• Position C (01° 00’ N – 049° 30’ E), a line to
• Position D (09° 00’ N – 055° 00’ E), a line to
• Position E (14° 20’ N – 057° 30’ E), a line to
• Position F (the Yemen coast at longitude 053° 00’ E), then
• Follow the Yemeni coast westwards and northwards, to
• Position G (the Yemeni Red Sea coast at latitude 15° 00’ N), then a line to
• Position H (the Eritrea territorial sea border at latitude 15° 00’ N), then
• Follow southwards first Eritrea’s and then Djibouti’s territorial sea borders, to
• Position I (the coastal border point between Djibouti and Somalia), then

• Follow the Somali coast eastwards and then southwards, to Position A

※This picture is drawn roughly by a editor. Please note this is not accurate.

2．Security measures

PMA require Panamanian Flag ships to implement below security measures which is same as previous circular.

• Transiting IRTC
• Get latest information from MSCHOA
• raise the Security Level according to their Ship Security Plan (SSP).
• Implementation of BMP(including, but not limited to below）
  a) Conduct trainings / drills with the crew;
  b) Watch keeping and Enhanced Vigilance;
  c) Effective use of monitoring and/or surveillance equipment;
  d) Maneuvering practice;
  e) Alarm or Alerts systems to demonstrate awareness to any potential attacker;
  f) Use of deck lighting and illumination to demonstrate awareness to any potential
  attacker;
  g) Denial of use of ship’s tools and equipment, and protection of equipment stored on
  the upper deck;
  h) Control of Access to Bridge, Accommodation and Machinery Spaces and Physical
  barriers;
  i) Other equipment used for self-defense;
  j) Safe-Muster Points and Citadels, if determined appropriate.
  k) Submit vessel movements and transit plans to MSCHOA and all other
  organizations in the area before, during and after transiting High Risk Area.
  
  Please refer attached circular.

//Updated on 10 Aug. 2023//

PMA updated the circular NMC-230. Definition of HRA and measures against pirates remain same. In this circular, PMA explain recent piracy situation as follows and encourages owners/masters to set proper counter measures.
/////quote///////

1.10 From January to June 2023, fthree locations contributed to 54% of the total 65 incidents
reported: Indonesia, Peru and Singapore Straits. The Singapore Straits have maintained
risky activities, reason why the Panama Maritime Authority encourages to all Shipowners/Operators and Masters to take the proper maritime security measurements in order to
reduce and minimize the risks associated.

///////unquote//////////////////

//Update on 5 Mar. 2024//

PMA updated the circular NMC-230. Definition of HRA and measures against pirates remain same. Paragraph 1.10, information of piracy situation in SE Asia was updated.