All vessels approaching Canal waters for transit must submit a Panama Canal Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (PCSOPEP) at least 96 hours prior to its arrival. This requirement, which became effective January 1, 2005, is applicable to vessels with fuel and/or oil cargo-carrying capacity of 400 MT or more. The carrying capacity of a vessel is equal to the sum of the capacities of all oil cargo tanks and fuel tanks. A vessel that meets this criterion shall submit their PCSOPEP to the ACP for verification, and shall be classified according to the following categories:

- Tier S for vessels with an oil carrying capacity of 400 MT up to 1,000 MT.
- Tier 1 for vessels with an oil carrying capacity of more than 1,000 MT up to 7,000 MT.
- Tier 1 and Tier 2 for vessels with an oil carrying capacity of more than 7,000 MT up to 15,000 MT.
- Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 for vessels with an oil carrying capacity of more than 15,000 MT.

Non-compliance with the above constitutes a violation of Chapter IX, Section Four of the Maritime Regulations for the Operation of the Panama Canal, and may subject the vessel to sanctions in accordance with Chapter XI, Offenses, Sanctions and Sanctioning Proceedings of said Regulations.

PCSOPEPs shall be developed by organizations or individuals experienced in pollution Prevention. Through an arrangement with GALLAGHER MARINE SYSTEMS our company provides coverage of Authorized Persons to respond to Oil spill emergencies at the Panama Canal.

For inquiries please contact:
ClassIBS Head Office at: 
[email protected]
[email protected]
Panama, Republic of Panama
Tel: +507 211-2122