Panama Canal and ISPS Implementation

The Panama Canal Authority issued an Advisory stating that it is implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code on 1 July 2004. SOLAS vessels will be expected to demonstrate compliance with the ISPS Code. Non-SOLAS vessels will be required to demonstrate that they have implemented comparable security measures. The Authority will not provide in advance the names of its personnel who will be boarding ships, but all of its personnel have identification credentials which will be shown on request. Advisory No. 31-2004 (6/15/04).