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Panama Observa

Panama’s Annual SSAS Testing Requirement

Merchant Marine Circular MMC-133, issued by the General Directorate of Merchant Marine of the Panama Maritime Authority, sets out the instructions and procedures applicable to the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) on board Panama-flagged vessels.

The Circular is addressed to shipowners and operators, Company Security Officers (CSOs) and Recognised Organisations (ROs). It applies to Panama-flagged vessels of 500 gross tonnage and above engaged on international voyages.

The current requirements are contained in Merchant Marine Circular MMC-133, Ship Security Alert System (SSAS), revised in June 2025.

[VIEW MERCHANT MARINE CIRCULAR MMC-133]

The Annual Requirement

Section 4.3 of MMC-133 establishes the following principal requirements:

  • One successful SSAS test is mandatory every year.
  • The period between annual tests must not exceed twelve calendar months.
  • The test must be scheduled through the official SSAS testing system designated by the Panama Maritime Authority.
  • The test must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
  • A test scheduled after the SSAS message has already been transmitted will not be considered valid.
  • Following successful completion of the test, the CSO receives an official flag confirmation by email.
  • The CSO must ensure that the confirmation is sent to and retained on board the vessel, as it may be examined during the vessel’s initial, intermediate or renewal ISPS verification.
  • A failed test must be investigated, corrected and rescheduled through the official system.

Who Performs and Confirms the Test?

The annual SSAS test is scheduled and processed through the official testing platform and service provider designated by the Panama Maritime Authority.

The vessel remains responsible for the activation of its SSAS equipment in accordance with the scheduled test instructions.

Panama Observa does not perform or technically validate the SSAS test and does not issue the official Successful Test Confirmation. These functions remain with the officially designated testing system, service provider and the Panama Maritime Authority, as applicable.

International Legal Basis

The requirement for ships to be provided with a Ship Security Alert System originates from the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended (SOLAS).

SOLAS Chapter XI-2, Regulation 6 establishes the international requirements relating to the Ship Security Alert System, including its purpose, activation arrangements and the transmission of a ship-to-shore security alert to the competent authority designated by the vessel’s Flag Administration.

The SSAS is intended to transmit a covert security alert when the security of the vessel is under threat or has been compromised. Its activation does not raise an alarm on board the vessel or alert other ships.

The international requirement is implemented and administered by each Flag State for vessels entitled to fly its flag.

Panama’s Regulatory Framework

For Panama-flagged vessels, the international SSAS requirements are implemented through the regulations, resolutions, circulars and procedures issued by the Panama Maritime Authority.

Resolution No. 106-107-DGMM of 9 October 2017 established the use of the designated electronic system for the annual testing of the SSAS on board applicable Panama-flagged vessels.

Merchant Marine Circular MMC-133 provides the detailed instructions and procedures for the use and annual testing of the SSAS. The Circular has subsequently been revised, including the revision issued in June 2025 concerning the designated testing platform and applicable procedures.

Shipowners, operators and CSOs should always refer to the latest version of MMC-133 and any subsequent instructions issued by the Panama Maritime Authority.

[VIEW RESOLUTION No. 106-107-DGMM]

[VIEW MERCHANT MARINE CIRCULAR MMC-133]

The Role of the Shipowner, Operator and CSO

Responsibility for compliance with the applicable SSAS requirements remains with the shipowner, operator, Company Security Officer and vessel, as applicable.

The CSO should ensure that:

  • The vessel and company information recorded for the test is correct.
  • The test is scheduled within the applicable annual period.
  • The vessel receives the correct operational instructions.
  • The SSAS equipment is activated at the scheduled time.
  • Any failed or incomplete test is investigated and rescheduled.
  • The official Successful Test Confirmation is received.
  • A copy of the confirmation is sent to and retained on board the vessel.
  • The next annual due date is recorded and monitored.

The Independent Role of Panama Observa

Panama Observa provides private and independent administrative and compliance support throughout the annual SSAS testing process.

Where required, we assist clients with the necessary communications and administrative follow-up involving the Panama Maritime Authority and the relevant SSAS service provider or agent.

Our assistance may include reviewing the information supplied, monitoring the due date, assisting with test scheduling, coordinating with the client and vessel, following up the result, obtaining the Successful Test Confirmation for the client’s records and registering the next annual due date.

Panama Observa does not replace the statutory responsibilities of the shipowner, operator, CSO, Master or vessel.

Panama Observa is not part of, affiliated with, or acting on behalf of the Panama Maritime Authority. It does not perform the technical SSAS test, validate its result or issue the official Successful Test Confirmation.

Official Documents

The following documents should be consulted together with any subsequent amendments, circulars or instructions issued by the competent authorities:

  • SOLAS 1974, as amended — Chapter XI-2, Regulation 6
  • Resolution No. 106-107-DGMM of 9 October 2017
  • Merchant Marine Circular MMC-133 — Ship Security Alert System (SSAS), revised June 2025

Important Notice

The information provided on this page is intended solely as a general summary and practical guide. It does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion and must not be relied upon as such.

This information does not replace the applicable international conventions, Panamanian legislation, resolutions, Merchant Marine Circulars or official instructions issued by the competent authorities.

In the event of any difference or inconsistency, the official requirements and documents issued by the International Maritime Organization and the Panama Maritime Authority shall prevail.

  Users should confirm that they are consulting the latest version of MMC-133 and any subsequent amendments or official instructions.  

Shipowners, operators, Company Security Officers and other users remain responsible for verifying the requirements applicable to their vessels, consulting the latest official documents and obtaining independent legal or professional advice where necessary.

Panama Observa and ISM Shipping Solutions Ltd accept no responsibility for actions taken solely on the basis of this general information.