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IME Marine Group

Marine surveys, inspections and certificates · IME

PCSOPEP and Authorized Person for the Panama Canal

A vessel that carries 400 tonnes or more of oil as cargo or fuel needs a Panama Canal Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (PCSOPEP) to transit, filed with the Panama Canal Authority at least 96 hours before arrival, and an Authorized Person in Panama who represents her. IME prepares the plan, files it and acts as the Authorized Person.

A vessel in the locks of the Panama Canal at dusk, with the city behind

Where we attend

PCSOPEP is prepared and filed from Panama City for vessels transiting from anywhere.

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Service

When you need it

  1. 01

    The vessel will transit the Canal for the first time

    Her plan has to reach the Panama Canal Authority at least 96 hours before arrival.

  2. 02

    The vessel carries 400 tonnes or more of oil

    As cargo or as fuel: the plan applies to her.

  3. 03

    The vessel's particulars change

    New owner, manager, name or response arrangements: the plan is brought up to date.

What is included

01

The plan

The Panama Canal Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan, prepared for the vessel. It complements her SOPEP under MARPOL Annex I with the Canal's own response arrangements.

02

Filing with the Panama Canal Authority

The plan filed at least 96 hours before the vessel's arrival.

03

Authorized Person

IME as the Authorized Person domiciled in Panama who represents the vessel before the Panama Canal Authority.

To arrange it, send us

  1. 01The vessel's name and IMO number
  2. 02Her oil capacity, as cargo and as fuel
  3. 03Her ETA at the Canal
  4. 04Owner, manager and P&I Club
  5. 05Her current SOPEP

What you receive

The plan prepared and filed with the Panama Canal Authority, and IME named as the vessel's Authorized Person.

Response
We reply to every request within 24 to 48 hours at the latest.

Who provides it

International Marine Experts

International Marine Experts

Marine surveys, cargo inspections and marine chemist services.

About IME

What backs it

  1. Certification

    ISO 9001:2015 certification

    GCL International and UKAS ISO 9001 certification mark, registration 86Q15045
    Issued by
    GCL International, under UKAS accreditation
    Reference
    ISO 9001:2015, 86Q15045
    Scope
    Quality Management System against the provisions of ISO 9001:2015 International Standard.
    Validity
    Valid from 18 April 2025 to 18 April 2028
    Held byInternational Marine Experts
IME surveyors in a meeting with a vessel's crew on board

Arrange a PCSOPEP

Send the vessel and her ETA at the Canal. The Panama office answers 24 hours a day.

Request assistance

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