Vessels violating Saba Bank environmental regulations to be prosecuted

The Panama Maritime Authority issued a marine notice in regards to an increase of Panamanian flag vessels that have violated the Saba bank PSSA regulation, informing that the violators will be prosecuted by local authorities.

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Alerts | 05/02/21 

Specifically, the Saba Bank in the North-eastern Caribbean area of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is an ecologically sensitive area and vulnerable to damage by international shipping activities. Thus, efforts have been made by the Netherlands to address that vulnerability, designating the Saba Bank as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area, through Resolution MEPC.226(64) adopted on October 5, 2012.

The Panama Maritime Authority explains that the Resolution warns that the area should be avoided for ships 300 GT and above and it is a no anchoring area for all vessels.

It is highlighted that

Vessel not in compliance with the above requirements can be prosecuted by local authorities.

Concluding, the authority urges all Panamanian flag vessels to complies with the requirements of Resolution MEPC.226(64) and to prepare the voyage plan base on such requirements, passing through the Saba Bank.