Crew certificates and the MLC on Panama-flagged ships

Panama adopted the STCW Convention by Law 4 of May 15, 1992. The Authority issues endorsements of recognition of foreign certificates under Regulation I/10 for the deck and engine departments and for certificates of proficiency, and publishes their fees for nationals and non-nationals.

• Seafarers, Panama Maritime Authority

Source: Merchant Marine Circular MMC-407, section 7.7; Panama Maritime Authority, Seafarers page

Panama approved the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, by Law 2 of 2009. It applies to all ships, public or private, ordinarily engaged in commercial activities, except fishing vessels, traditional craft and warships. The Maritime Labour Certificate and the Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance are required for ships of 500 gross tons or more on international voyages.

The Authority also requires the MLC financial security for all vessels with personnel considered seafarers.

Source: Law 2 of 2009, article II and Regulation 5.1.3; Merchant Marine Circular MMC-407, section 5.3

For commercial yachts Panama accepts the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code as an equivalence under article 9 of the STCW Convention.

Source: Merchant Marine Circular MMC-370, section 1.2

• Which certificates the minimum safe manning of each type of ship or yacht requires.
• Which countries have recognition arrangements with Panama under Regulation I/10.
• Whether crew wages are subject to Panamanian income tax or social security.
• Visas and permits for foreign crew members.

• How to register a ship in Panama
• Yacht registration
• The Panama Maritime Authority