AUTORIDAD DEL CANAL DE PANAMÁ EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENCY FOR OPERATIONS 3654-A (OPXI) V. 4-2-2015 ADVISORIES ARE AVAILABLE AT http://www.pancanal.com FOR ETAS OR DIRECT COMMUNICATION WITH OUR OFFICES, REFER TO NOTICE N-3-2018 ADVISORY TO SHIPPING No. A-28-2018 August 14, 2018 TO : All Shipping Agents, Owners, and Operators SUBJECT: Revision of the Requirements for Hot Work Performed On Board Vessels The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has revised its requirements for allowing hot work to be performed on board vessels while in waters under its jurisdiction. Among the modifications is the prerequisite that the Marine Chemist issuing the certificate be part of an organization compliant with DGNTI-COPANIT ISO 17020, which is the technical standard that outlines the criteria to be adhered to by organizations that perform inspections in the Republic of Panama. Another modification is the inclusion of a section with definitions of key terms used throughout the document. The role and responsibilities of the Marine Chemist and the Competent Person are outlined herein. The prohibitions are now consolidated under one section of the document. Therefore, the following prohibitions are now part of the list:  performing work beyond the approved scope,  moving the vessel to perform work at a site other than the inspection site, and  commencing hot work without a Marine Chemist Certificate or the ACP site approval. This list has been expanded to include the prohibition for hot work to be performed on board flammable cryogenic liquid carriers, unless it is required under specific circumstances (i.e. for Canal operations or due to an incident while under Panama Canal pilotage). A provision has been introduced to allow for Exemption Certificates for hot work to be performed on a given structure or part of a vessel when certain conditions are met. Exemption Certificates may be valid for up to 30 days, during which time a Marine Chemist Certificate for the routine jobs listed in the areas designated as safe for hot work, will not be required. Finally, the attached document also explains important aspects of this process, such as the duration of the Marine Chemist Certificate, the role of the Competent Person in maintaining the validity of the certificate, and the ACP’s prerogative to audit both parties to ensure proper maintenance of conditions for performing hot work. The revision to the requirements is attached, and supersedes Section 19 of Notice to Shipping N-012018, Vessel Requirements. Inquiries on these requirements must be forwarded to the following address: cargoinfo@pancanal.com ORIGINAL SIGNED Esteban G. Sáenz Executive Vice President for Operations 3654-A (OPXI) V. 4-2-2015 OP, August 14, 2018 Subject: Revision of the Requirements for Hot Work Performed On Board Vessels Hot Work Performed On Board Vessels a. Applicability: These requirements apply to hot work on board the following vessels while in Panama Canal waters, which includes anchorages and marine terminals: tankers, and vessels other than tankers that have carried liquefied gas, or flammable liquid, or combustible liquid in bulk as fuel or cargo, or that have carried cargoes that can produce hazardous atmospheres. b. Definitions: The following definitions apply: (1) Hot Work: any type of work that involves open flames, generates sparks, or rises the temperature of the intervened materials. Some examples are welding, grinding, drilling, and cutting. (2) Marine Chemist: A chemist with the p