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Panama

1. Do you need certification in Panama?

Below is the full certification pathway — from eligibility check to receiving your Panama SEGUMAR endorsement. By the end of §1–§3, you will know exactly which certificate you need, where to train, and what it costs. §4 walks you through the application. §5 covers immigration, medical, and MLC requirements.

You need a Panamanian seafarer endorsement if you intend to serve in a capacity that requires a certificate of competency under STCW on a Panama-flagged vessel. Specifically, this applies when:

  • The vessel is 500 GT or more and operates on international voyages (STCW II/1, II/2 for deck; III/1, III/2 for engine)
  • You serve in a specialised role (tanker, passenger, high-voltage, GMDSS radio) — additional endorsements per STCW Chapter V apply
  • The vessel requires a Panamanian Seaman Book (Libro de Mar) as proof of identity and certification on board

You do not need a Panamanian endorsement if:

  • You hold a certificate from an STCW white-list country and the vessel is below 500 GT in certain coastal operations (reduced requirements apply)
  • You are a passenger in a non-watchkeeping role

The Maritime Authority of Panama (Autoridad Marítima de Panamá, AMP), operating under Law 8 of 1998 (Decreto Ley No. 8 — the Merchant Marine Act), is the issuing authority. The AMP's General Directorate of Seafarers (DGGM) processes all endorsements, titles, and Seaman Book applications through Panama's merchant marine consulates worldwide.

Panama is a party to the STCW Convention (1978, as amended) and maintains its position on the IMO white list. The country also ratified the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006), which came into force for Panama on 20 August 2013, and the Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention (Revised, 2003).

Panama maintains one of the world's largest open registries. Major Panamanian-flagged vessels operate across every ocean, with heavy concentrations in the Panama Canal zone, the Caribbean, trans-Pacific routes, and the Suez corridor. Panamanian-registered shipping companies and vessel owners manage a significant share of global tonnage.

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2. What certification do you need by position?

STCW divides seafarer certification into four departments plus ratings and MLC catering. Each position has a corresponding STCW regulation and a Panamanian endorsement requirement under DGGM rules.

Deck department

Position STCW Regulation Panamanian Endorsement Required Certificates
Master (≥500 GT) II/2 CRA — Master STCW II/2 CoC + ARPA + GMDSS + BRM + Advanced Firefighting + Medical Care + Survival Craft
Chief Mate (≥500 GT) II/2 CRA — Chief Mate STCW II/2 CoC + ARPA + GMDSS + BRM + Advanced Firefighting + Medical Care + Survival Craft
Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OOW) II/1 CRA — OICNW STCW II/1 CoC + ARPA + GMDSS + BRM + Medical First Aid + Survival Craft
Master (<500 GT, coastal) II/3 CRA — Master (Limited) STCW II/3 CoC + Radar + BRM
Able Seafarer Deck (AB) II/5 CRA — AB Deck STCW BST + Ship Security Awareness + 24 months sea service
Ordinary Seafarer (OS) II/4 CRA — OS STCW BST + Ship Security Awareness

Engine department

Position STCW Regulation Panamanian Endorsement Required Certificates
Chief Engineer (≥3,000 kW) III/2 CRA — Chief Engineer STCW III/2 CoC + ERM + Advanced Firefighting + Survival Craft
Second Engineer (≥3,000 kW) III/2 CRA — Second Engineer STCW III/2 CoC + ERM + Advanced Firefighting + Survival Craft
Chief/Second Engineer (750–3,000 kW) III/3 CRA — Engineer (Limited) STCW III/3 CoC + ERM
Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch (OICEW) III/1 CRA — OICEW STCW III/1 CoC + ERM + Medical First Aid
Able Seafarer Engine III/5 CRA — AB Engine STCW BST + Ship Security Awareness + 24 months sea service
Engine-room Rating III/4 CRA — Oiler/Motorman STCW BST + Ship Security Awareness

Electro-Technical department

Position STCW Regulation Panamanian Endorsement Required Certificates
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) III/6 CRA — ETO STCW III/6 CoC + ERM
Electro-Technical Rating (ETR) III/7 CRA — ETR STCW III/7 CoC + STCW BST

Radio department

Position STCW Regulation Panamanian Endorsement Required Certificates
GMDSS Radio Operator IV/2 CRA — GMDSS Operator GMDSS General Operator's Certificate (GOC) or Restricted Operator's Certificate (ROC)

Catering (MLC, not STCW)

Per MLC 2006 Regulation 3.2 and Code B3.2, ship's cooks and catering staff fall outside STCW but require:

  • Recognised food safety and hygiene certificate (per MLC B3.2.4)
  • STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) — they join ship-wide emergency response
  • Medical First Aid (per MLC B3.2.5)
Position Source Required Certificates
Chief Cook / Cook MLC 2006 Reg 3.2 + Code B3.2 Food safety cert + STCW BST + Medical First Aid + MLC Seaman Book
Chief Steward / Steward MLC 2006 + STCW BST STCW BST + service training

Additional courses for all applicants

All Panamanian endorsement applications must include the following base STCW courses:

  • IMO 1.19 — Personal Survival Techniques
  • IMO 1.20 — Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
  • IMO 1.13 — Elementary First Aid
  • IMO 1.21 — Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities
  • IMO 3.27 — Security Awareness Training (Support Level)
  • IMO 3.26 — Designated Security Duties (Operational/Management Level, as applicable)

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Related guides:

  • STCW Basic Safety Training Renewal Guide — refresh your BST certificate every 5 years.
  • STCW Basic Safety Training: Cost & Providers — compare course prices and approved training centres.
  • Seaman's Book vs STCW Certificate — what each document is for and when you need both.

3. Where to Get the Training?

Panama (through the Dirección General de la Marina Mercante / SEGUMAR) recognises training from both Virtual Maritime Academy (VMA) for theoretical and regulatory courses and Marine Pro Academy (MPA) for STCW-mandated courses including Panama-approved variants. Below is the position-by-position breakdown of required training and recommended providers.

Deck officers — Management level (STCW II/2)

According to DGGM requirements and the STCW Convention, Master and Chief Mate must hold a STCW II/2 certificate of competency, plus:

  • ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aids) — radar observation at operational level
  • GMDSS (General Operator's Certificate) — radio operations
  • BRM (Bridge Resource Management) — bridge team leadership
  • Advanced Fire Fighting — STCW A-VI/3
  • Medical Care — STCW A-VI/4-2
  • Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB) — STCW A-VI/2
  • ISM Code in Practice — for senior officers responsible for Safety Management Systems

For STCW BST foundational training, Marine Pro Academy — STCW BST Bundle provides the core Panama-approved modules (PST, FPFF, EFA, PSSR) accepted under the IMO white list.

For GMDSS General Operator's Certificate (STCW IV/2), Marine Pro Academy — GMDSS covers the full syllabus required for STCW IV/2 certification.

For ISM Code compliance at management level, Virtual Maritime Academy — ISM Code in Practice: From Certification to Effective Implementation provides the regulatory framework for senior officers managing Safety Management Systems on Panama-flag vessels.

Deck officers — Operational level (STCW II/1)

OOWs need STCW II/1 plus:

  • ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aids)
  • GMDSS (General Operator's Certificate)
  • BRM (Bridge Resource Management)
  • Medical First Aid — STCW A-VI/4-1
  • Navigation Systems and Instruments (NS-I) — for foundational deck officer training

Virtual Maritime Academy — Navigation Systems and Instruments (NS-I) provides foundational STCW II/1 knowledge for operational-level deck officers.

For ECDIS at the operational level, Marine Pro Academy — ECDIS provides the IMO 1.27 syllabus required for operational watchkeepers on ECDIS-fitted ships.

Engine officers — Management level (STCW III/2)

Chief and Second Engineer must hold a STCW III/2 certificate of competency, plus:

  • ERM (Engine Room Resource Management)
  • Advanced Fire Fighting — STCW A-VI/3
  • Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB) — STCW A-VI/2
  • High Voltage Safety — if serving on high-voltage installations (>1,000V)
  • Oil/Chemical/Gas Tanker Cargo Handling — if serving on tankers (per STCW V/1-1, V/1-2)

For ERM at management level, Virtual Maritime Academy — ISM Code in Practice supports operational resource management and Safety Management System implementation for senior engineers.

For engineers serving on high-voltage installations, Marine Pro Academy — High Voltage Familiarization covers STCW III/2 high-voltage safety requirements for marine engineers.

For engineers serving on oil and chemical tankers, Marine Pro Academy — Oil and Chemical Tanker Basic Safety (STCW V/1-1) covers STCW V/1-1 and V/1-2 cargo handling requirements.

Engine officers — Operational level (STCW III/1)

OICEWs need STCW III/1 plus:

  • ERM (Engine Room Resource Management)
  • Medical First Aid — STCW A-VI/4-1

For Medical First Aid, Marine Pro Academy — Elementary First Aid (Panama Approved) covers STCW A-VI/1-3 with the Panama-approved variant recognised by SEGUMAR.

For Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, Marine Pro Academy — PSSR (Panama Approved) covers STCW A-VI/1-4 with the Panama-approved variant.

Able Seafarer Deck / Engine (Ratings, STCW II/5 / III/5)

All ratings must hold STCW BST, with role-specific additions:

  • Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB) — for ratings designated to lifeboats
  • Security Awareness — STCW VI/6, A-VI/6-1

Marine Pro Academy — STCW BST Bundle provides the foundational Panama-approved BST modules (PST, FPFF, EFA, PSSR) required for all ratings.

For ratings seeking individual STCW modules:

For ratings serving as Designated Security Duties personnel, Marine Pro Academy — Designated Security Duties (DSD) — Panama Approved covers STCW A-VI/6-2 with the Panama-approved variant.

For ratings serving as Security Awareness personnel, Marine Pro Academy — Security Awareness Training (PSA) — Panama Approved covers STCW A-VI/6-1.

For Ship Security Officers (SSO) serving on Panama-flag vessels, Marine Pro Academy — Ship Security Officer (SSO) — Panama Approved covers ISPS Code requirements.

For Company Security Officers (CSO) serving Panama-flag operators, Marine Pro Academy — Company Security Officer (CSO) — Panama Approved covers ISPS Code requirements.

For ratings seeking prevention of alcohol and drug abuse training, Marine Pro Academy — Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Onboard Ships (Panama Approved) covers STCW I/2 requirements.

GMDSS Radio Operator (STCW IV/2)

GMDSS operators need:

  • GMDSS General Operator's Certificate — for ships operating in all sea areas
  • GMDSS Restricted Operator's Certificate — for ships in sea area A1 only

Marine Pro Academy — GMDSS covers the full syllabus required for STCW IV/2 certification.

Ship's Cook / Chief Steward (MLC catering)

Per MLC 2006 Reg 3.2 and Code B3.2:

  • Food safety / hygiene certificate — required by MLC B3.2.4
  • STCW BST — ship-wide emergency response
  • Medical First Aid — per MLC B3.2.5

Marine Pro Academy — Maritime Labour Convention covers MLC 2006 in depth, including catering requirements and food safety standards for shipboard personnel.

For the Medical First Aid component, Marine Pro Academy — Medical First Aid covers STCW A-VI/4-1 plus galley-specific first aid scenarios.

ETO / ETR (Electro-Technical department)

Per STCW III/6 / III/7 (introduced under Manila 2010), the AMP recognises these positions under the DGGM endorsement framework. ETO requires a university degree in electrical engineering or equivalent; ETR requires vocational training plus supervised shipboard service.

(No specific VMA/MPA course currently maps to these positions; for ETO, refer to a maritime university programme.)

Related: open maritime careers accepting Panamanian endorsements

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4. How to apply?

The Panama Maritime Authority issues STCW endorsements through the General Directorate of Seafarers (DGGM). The process is:

  • Obtain your original CoC from a maritime administration on the IMO white list. Panama issues endorsements with the same capacity, function, level, limitations, and validity of the licence attached to the application (per Regulation I/10 of STCW).
  • Provide administrative documents (all applications):

    • – Completed application form (Form F76)

    – Six (6) colour photographs, 3 × 3 cm, recent (no more than 6 months old), shoulder and face visible, no hat

    – Valid passport (original and copy)

    – Valid Medical Fitness Certificate (STCW Regulation I/9) — must be issued by a doctor authorised by the maritime administration of the applicant's country

  • Provide technical certificates (all applications):

    • – Personal Survival Techniques (IMO 1.19)

    – Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (IMO 1.20)

    – Elementary First Aid (IMO 1.13)

    – Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (IMO 1.21)

    – Security Awareness Training (IMO 3.27 — Support Level)

    – Designated Security Duties (IMO 3.26 — Operational/Management Level, as applicable)

  • Provide position-specific documents (deck officers additionally need):

    • – Radar Navigation (IMO 1.07)

    – Proficiency in Survival Craft (IMO 1.23)

    – GMDSS Certificate (IMO 1.25 or 1.26)

    – ECDIS (IMO 1.27, if applicable)

    – Advanced Firefighting (IMO 2.03)

    – Marine Environmental Awareness (IMO 1.38, if applicable)

    – Leadership and Teamwork (IMO 1.39, if applicable)

    – Bridge Resources Management

    – Experience letter and Officer Seaman Book

  • Pay the endorsement fees:
Endorsement Type Fee (USD)
Master $285
Chief Engineer Officer $285
Chief Mate / Second Mate / OICNW $280
Second Engineer / OICEW $280
GMDSS Radio Operator $195
AB Deck / AB Engine / Boatswain $185
Oiler / OS / Wiper / Cook / Steward / Technician $185
Course Endorsement (per course) $20–$60

Additional fees apply: US$10 handling fee per process at consulates; US$8 franking fee at the DGGM Certification Department.

Processing time: Provisional endorsements can be issued within days for urgent cases (valid for 90 days). Full endorsements typically take 2 to 4 weeks for complete applications.

Apply through:

Foreign endorsement (Regulation I/10 STCW)

Per Regulation I/10 of the STCW Convention, Panama recognises STCW certificates issued by administrations on the IMO white list. The DGGM issues a Panamanian endorsement equivalent to the foreign certificate, maintaining the same capacity, function, level, and limitations. The original certificate must be verified through the issuing administration.

Source: AMP — Requirements for Seafarers.

For broader context, compare Panama certification requirements with other flag states, and review your flag state options before applying.

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5. Other requirements

Immigration and work permits

Foreign seafarers serving on Panama-flagged vessels are governed by Panamanian immigration law and the provisions of Law 8 of 1998. Key points:

  • Crew member entry: Foreign crew members joining or leaving a Panama-flagged vessel at Panamanian ports are generally admitted under standard crew transit provisions. A valid passport and Seaman Book or letter from the shipping company are required.
  • No separate work permit required for seafarers serving aboard Panama-flagged vessels in international trade — the endorsement serves as the primary legal basis for employment.
  • Panama Canal transit: Crew members transiting the Panama Canal zone are subject to separate Canal Authority regulations administered by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP).
  • Visa requirements: Many nationalities are visa-exempt for transit purposes when joining or leaving a vessel. Check the latest requirements with the nearest Panamanian consulate.

Source: Panama Maritime Authority — Consulates.

Medical certificate

Per STCW Regulation I/9 and DGGM requirements, all seafarers must hold a valid Medical Fitness Certificate. The certificate:

  • Must be issued by a medical practitioner authorised by the maritime administration of the country where the examination takes place
  • Must be in Spanish and English (bilingual)
  • Must contain, at minimum: seafarer's date of birth, passport number, gender, and nationality
  • Is valid for a maximum of 2 years from the date of issue
  • Must cover the specific medical requirements for the position held (e.g., colour vision for deck officers, hearing standards for all watchkeepers)

The AMP maintains a list of approved medical examiners through each consulate. Every consulate is required to request the “List of Approved Doctors” from the maritime authority of the country where the seafarer is examined.

Source: AMP — Seafarer Medical Certificate; Merchant Marine Circular MMC-261.

Seafarer identity document

Panama issues the Seaman Book (Libro de Mar) to all endorsed seafarers. The Seaman Book serves as:

  • Proof of identity and certification on board Panama-flagged vessels
  • Evidence of sea service for endorsement renewals and upgrades
  • A requirement for crew transit and port entry in many jurisdictions

The Seaman Book is issued by the DGGM and is required for all ratings and officers seeking a Panamanian endorsement. Applicants must present their endorsement approval, photographs, passport, and medical certificate.

Panama is a party to the ILO Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention (Revised, 2003) (C185), and the Panamanian Seaman Book is designed to meet its requirements for internationally recognised seafarer identification.

MLC 2006 compliance

Panama ratified the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC), which entered into force for Panama on 20 August 2013. Key MLC requirements for Panama-flagged vessels include:

  • MLC Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance — all vessels of 500 GT or above must carry an MLC certificate confirming compliance with the Convention's requirements
  • Crew employment agreements — all seafarers must have a signed agreement before departure
  • Wages and hours of work — Panama enforces minimum standards per MLC Title 2 (Conditions of Employment)
  • Repatriation — seafarers are entitled to repatriation at no cost to themselves upon completion of their contract
  • Food and catering — ship's cooks must hold a food safety certificate per MLC Regulation 3.2 and Code B3.2

The AMP conducts inspections to verify MLC compliance on Panama-flagged vessels. Vessels found non-compliant may face detention or other enforcement actions.

Source: AMP — MLC Compliance; Panama Ship Registry — MMC-261.

Renewal and re-validation

Panamanian endorsements must be renewed every 5 years. Renewal requires:

  • Evidence of at least 12 months of sea service in the relevant capacity during the preceding 5 years
  • A valid medical certificate
  • Completion of refresher training (STCW Regulation I/11) if sea service requirements are not met
  • Administrative requirements (application form, photographs, passport, fees)

For officers whose endorsements have lapsed beyond 5 years, the DGGM may require completion of a full STCW update course or re-examination.

Source: AMP — Requirements for Seafarers.

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*This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify current requirements with the Maritime Authority of Panama (AMP) or the nearest Panama merchant marine consulate before applying. Requirements may change without notice.*

*Page last reviewed: August 2026.*

Compare your pathway with neighbouring maritime flag states:

  • Marshall Islands — open registry with strong STCW adoption and international acceptance
  • Liberia — compare Panama and Liberia flag endorsement options
  • Bahamas — Bahamas Maritime Authority vs Panama Maritime Authority
  • Malta — Panama to EU via Malta endorsement for combined flag access

For more context on the certifications mentioned on this page:

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about certification, training, and endorsement pathways for seafarers on the Panama maritime register.

Do I need Panamanian certification to work on a Panama-flagged vessel?
Yes. The Autoridad Marítima de Panamá (AMP) requires a Panamanian Seaman's Book and, where applicable, a Certificate of Competency or endorsement for officers serving on Panama-flagged commercial vessels.
How long does Panama certification take?
Typical processing is 3 to 5 working days for Seaman's Book and standard endorsements, provided documentation is complete. Panama operates one of the world's fastest open registries.
What is the difference between Panama and STCW certification?
STCW is the IMO international standard; AMP administers Panama-specific certification under that framework. Panama certification adds the Seaman's Book, the AMP technical route for STCW endorsement, and Panama-specific maritime legislation.
How much does Panama certification cost?
AMP fees are published on the AMP website. Costs include application fees, Seaman's Book issuance, and any required training or examination. Budget from low-hundreds to low-thousands USD depending on rank.
What medical certificate do I need for Panama certification?
A valid ENG1 or PEME accepted by AMP. The medical certificate must be current for the duration of the Seaman's Book validity.
Can I use my STCW from another country in Panama?
Yes, via the AMP STCW endorsement pathway. Officers holding CoCs from countries whose STCW certifications Panama recognises can apply for endorsement without repeating all STCW courses.