LRIT Frequently Asked Questions
Practical guidance for Panama-flagged vessels
This FAQ is based on the Panama Maritime Authority Merchant Marine Circular MMC-195 – April 2026 Revision and has been prepared to help shipowners, managers and operators understand the principal Long-Range Identification and Tracking requirements applicable to Panama-flagged vessels.
For assistance with LRIT Conformance Tests, Conformance Test Report amendments, monitoring or related compliance matters, please contact Panama Observa – by ISM Shipping Solutions Ltd.
SECTION 1 – LRIT BASICS, APPLICABILITY AND TESTING
What is LRIT?
LRIT stands for Long-Range Identification and Tracking of Ships. It is a satellite-based system used to transmit a vessel’s identity, position and the date and time of that position at six-hour intervals.
Which Panama-flagged vessels are subject to LRIT requirements?
The requirements apply to Panama-flagged vessels engaged on international voyages, including:
- Passenger ships, including high-speed passenger craft;
- Cargo ships, including high-speed craft, of 300 GT and above;
- Mechanically propelled Mobile Offshore Drilling Units;
- Offshore Support Vessels, Special Purpose Ships and Mobile Offshore Units of 300 GT and above that are mechanically propelled.
Do Panama-flagged fishing vessels also have to comply?
Yes. Where a Panama-flagged fishing vessel or vessel engaged in fishing-related activities is fitted with LRIT equipment, it must undergo the required Conformance Test and report through the LRIT system.
Are vessels operating only in GMDSS Sea Area A1 required to comply?
Not necessarily. Vessels fitted with AIS and operating exclusively within Sea Area A1 are not required to comply with the LRIT provisions of SOLAS V/19-1
What information must the LRIT equipment transmit?
The equipment must be capable of automatically transmitting:
- Vessel identity, including IMO number and name;
- Latitude and longitude;
- Date and time of the reported position.
The normal reporting interval is every six hours
Who carries out the official LRIT Conformance Test for Panama?
The circular identifies Polestar Global / Consortia Maritime Intelligence Group 2022 as the Official Recognized Application Service Provider appointed by the Panama Maritime Authority, responsible for shipborne LRIT equipment testing and issuance of the Conformance Test Report.
How long does an LRIT Conformance Test take?
The Conformance Test may take approximately 48 hours. It is conducted remotely and preferably while the vessel is at sea
Should the LRIT test be completed before the radio survey?
Yes. The test should be arranged sufficiently in advance to allow time for completion and issuance of the Conformance Test Report. For vessels registering under the Panama flag, the test must be completed before the radio survey
SECTION 2 – CTR VALIDITY, ANNUAL TESTS AND AMENDMENTS
How long is the Conformance Test Report valid?
For Panama-flagged vessels, Conformance Test Reports issued from 1 January 2024 have a validity period not exceeding twelve months.
Is the LRIT Conformance Test an annual requirement?
Yes. The circular expressly refers to the Annual Conformance Test and requires owners and operators to maintain a valid Conformance Test Report onboard.
What format does the Panama CTR take?
Panama Conformance Test Reports are issued as electronic documents bearing an electronic signature and QR Code.
Will Panama accept a Conformance Test carried out under another flag?
No. The Panama Maritime Authority does not accept Conformance Tests carried out under another registry.
Does a change of vessel name require a new test?
No. A change of vessel name does not, by itself, require a new Conformance Test. However, an amended CTR must be obtained.
Does a change of ownership require a new test?
No. A change of ownership does not, by itself, require a new Conformance Test. An amended CTR must instead be obtained.
What other changes require an amended CTR rather than a new test?
An amended CTR may be required following changes to:
- Vessel name;
- Ownership;
- MMSI;
- Call sign or distinctive number/letters;
- Gross tonnage;
- Certified sea areas.
When is a completely new LRIT Conformance Test required?
A new test and new CTR are required in cases including:
- New installation or changes to LRIT shipborne equipment;
- Change of flag;
- LRIT equipment ceasing to operate;
- Equipment not operating within the applicable CTR or performance standards;
- Re-registration under the Panamanian Registry;
- Operation outside the maritime area shown on the existing CTR
Must the vessel keep the CTR onboard?
Yes. A valid CTR must be maintained onboard and is required for radio surveys and inspections.
SECTION 3 – CHANGE OF FLAG, MALFUNCTIONS AND AUTHORIZATIONS
What happens when a vessel changes to the Panama flag?
The LRIT equipment must be properly integrated into the Panama National Data Centre. The owner or operator must arrange the Conformance Test and ensure that a valid CTR is onboard before the radio survey.
Is a new Conformance Test required after a change of flag?
Yes. A new Conformance Test is required when the vessel changes flag or is re-registered under the Panamanian Registry.
What happens if the vessel does not yet have LRIT equipment or capability?
The owner or operator may apply through the E-Segumar platform for an authorization letter allowing time for installation, configuration and/or scheduling of the LRIT test.
Are these authorizations subject to a Panama Maritime Authority fee?
No. The circular states that these authorizations are free of charge.
What happens if the LRIT equipment malfunctions?
An authorization letter relating to an LRIT malfunction may be requested through the E-Segumar platform. The same procedure also covers equipment replacement.
How long is a malfunction authorization valid?
The authorization letter is valid for 30 days.
Can LRIT equipment be switched off?
Only in specific circumstances and with prior authorization from the Flag Administration.
Can LRIT equipment be switched off in high-risk areas?
No. LRIT equipment must remain switched on before entering and while travelling through high-risk areas. The LRIT system and Ship Security Alert System must also be properly set up and fully operational.
SECTION 4 – SAFETY RADIO SURVEYS AND CONDITIONAL CERTIFICATES
What changed from 1 June 2026?
Effective 1 June 2026, Recognized Organizations must verify during the Safety Radio Survey that a valid and up-to-date Conformance Test Report is available onboard.
Is CTR verification now mandatory during the Safety Radio Survey?
Yes. Verification of the CTR is now a mandatory element of the Safety Radio Survey.
Is the Conformance Test Report the same as the test result?
No. The CTR must not be confused with the Conformance Test results.
What happens if the CTR is not yet available during the radio survey?
If there is evidence that the Conformance Test has already been initiated by a Recognized Application Service Provider, the Recognized Organization may issue a conditional certificate valid for one month.
What certificate may be issued?
For vessels of 500 gross tonnage and above, a Conditional Cargo Ship Safety Certificate may be issued.
For vessels of less than 500 gross tonnage, a Conditional Safety Certificate may be issued.
Should the LRIT terminal be installed well before the first Safety Radio Survey?
Yes. Installation should be completed well in advance so that the Conformance Test can be completed and the CTR issued before the survey.
SECTION 5 – EXEMPTIONS, SPECIAL CASES AND NON-COMPLIANCE
Do vessels operating exclusively in Sea Area A1 require an LRIT exemption certificate?
No. Where the vessel meets the applicable Sea Area A1 conditions, an LRIT exemption certificate is not required.
What if a vessel with an A2+A3 CTR is temporarily operating in domestic waters?
The vessel must inform the Panama Maritime Authority and apply for authorization to stop LRIT reporting during that period.
What if a vessel normally operating domestically needs to make a single international voyage?
The vessel may apply for consideration of an exemption or equivalent arrangement.
Can fixed offshore units apply for a permanent exemption?
Yes. Offshore units operating at a fixed location, such as FPSOs, may apply for a permanent exemption.
Is continuous operation of LRIT and AIS mandatory?
Yes. LRIT and AIS equipment must maintain permanent and adequate operation, and interruptions in transmission should be avoided.
What are the consequences of deliberately deactivating LRIT or AIS?
Panama-flagged vessels deliberately deactivating LRIT or AIS may be sanctioned for non-compliance.
NEED LRIT ASSISTANCE?
Panama Observa can assist with:
- LRIT pre-checks;
- Conformance Test arrangements;
- CTR amendments;
- Test monitoring and follow-up;
- Annual compliance monitoring;
- Change of flag cases;
- Equipment malfunction assistance;
- Related Panama LRIT compliance matters.
We pre-check. We arrange. We monitor. We follow through to the valid CTR.
Panama Observa
by ISM Shipping Solutions Ltd.
ABOUT ISM SHIPPING SOLUTIONS LTD.
ISM Shipping Solutions Ltd. is a London-based maritime company providing registration, compliance and accreditation services for ships and seafarers, with over 46 years of maritime experience.
Panama Observa is a specialised service by ISM Shipping Solutions Ltd. for Panama-flagged vessels, focused on compliance support, monitoring and coordination.