In accordance with IMO regulations, specifically Chapter 5, Regulation 13 of SOLAS 74, and STCW 78/95, officers and crew members aboard Panamanian vessels must possess valid documentation establishing their professional qualifications.  

Panamanian titles are obtained through endorsement of a valid title complying with the 1995 Amendments of the STCW 78 Convention and issued by a White List country. Those countries are certified in compliance with the STCW 95 Amendment and featured in the IMO's White List (Click here for the complete list). Nationals of a White List country shall seek direct endorsement of their home license, while residents will have to demonstrate additionally that they were trained in a center recognized by the maritime administration of a White List country. Under certain conditions, nationals from Taiwan and Myanmar, countries that are not included in the White List, may also apply for endorsement of their home license. 

To obtain Panamanian documentation is a straightforward process, which begins by filling a simple application form provided by the Consulate. Please note that original forms are required and that copies are not acceptable.  

Upon reception of the completed application form accompanied by the supporting documents (see checklists below), the New York Consulate will  provide applicants with a Transitory Certificate (CT) allowing them to work aboard a Panamanian vessel, during three months. 

Within that timeframe, the supporting documentation shall be submitted to one of three Regional Centers of the Panama Maritime Authority (New York, Manila and London) in charge of issuing Permanent Certificates. 

It must be noted that Transitory Certificates are not renewable. Their validity is strictly limited to three months. Therefore the role of maritime consulates - primarily responsible for reviewing all documentation - cannot be underestimated. Deficient documentation is systematically returned to the consulates by the Regional Centers, and represents a leading cause of delay. 

Our team of seasoned specialists enjoys a consistently high satisfaction rate and receives applications from all parts of the world. Transitory Certificates are issued promptly, following a careful review of of all records, and are mailed and faxed the same day to the applicants. Every day, a Consulate employee hand-delivers the applications to the New York Regional Center, which is located in the adjacent building. He simultaneously retrieves the Permanent Certificates and ensures they reach the applicants as quickly as possible. 

Contact information:  

For your convenience, Ms. Isabel Navarro, Head Officer of the New York Consulate’s Licensing Department, has prepared the following checklist detailing individual requirements for all positions. Should you require further assistance, you are welcome to contact her directly:

e-mail: inavarro@NYconsul.com

Ph. (212) 840-2450 (ext. 224)  -  Fax (212) 840-2469

All documents submitted must be NOTARIZED, unless they are ORIGINALS.

DECK & ENGINEERING OFFICERS (STCW 95):                    

                        Original Application Form.    

Home country title with STCW 95 endorsement.

Copy of passport, or Seaman's Passport.

Six color photographs  (1¼’’ x 1¼’’) or (3 cm x 3 cm) with applicant name written in the back.

Medical Fitness Certificate  issued by a physician recognized by the White List country as authorized to carry out seafarers examinations. (Regulation I/9)

Total payment of US$ 230.00, by transfer, company check or international money order, to Consulate General of Panama.

Deck & Engineering Officers carrying Panamanian titles obtained by exam: (STCW 78) 

                        Original Application Form.    

Home country title with STCW endorsement.

Copy of passport, or Seaman's Passport.

Six color photographs  (1¼’’ x 1¼’’) or (3 cm x 3 cm) with applicant name written in the back.

Medical Fitness Certificate  issued by a physician recognized by the White List country as authorized to carry out seafarers examinations. (Regulation I/9)

                        STCW 95 Update or Refresher course or alternatively documents demonstrating at least five years of professional experience.   

Personal Survival Techniques Course (IMO 1.19)

Fire Prevention & Basic Fire Fighting (IMO 1.20) 

Elementary First Aid (IMO 1.13)

Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (IMO 1.21)

Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (IMO 1.23)

ARPA Course (DECK OFFICERS ONLY)

Radar Observer Course (DECK OFFICERS ONLY)

GMDSS Course (DECK OFFICERS ONLY)

Medical Care Course (MASTERS & FIRST DECK OFFICERS ONLY)

Advanced Fire Fighting Course (MASTERS & FIRST DECK OFFICERS ONLY)

Total payment of US$ 230.00, by transfer, company check or international money order, to Consulate General of Panama.

Radio Operators / GMDSS:                    

                        Original Application Form.    

Copy of passport, or Seaman's Passport.

Six color photographs  (1¼’’ x 1¼’’) or (3 cm x 3 cm) with applicant name written in the back.

Radio Operator Title (License) GMDSS or Radio/Electronics, etc.  

Medical Fitness Certificate  issued by a physician recognized by the White List country as authorized to carry out seafarers examinations. (Regulation I/9)

Total payment of US$ 140.00, by transfer, company check or international money order, to Consulate General of Panama.

RATINGS: (Including Ordinary Seamen, Fitters, Carpenters, Electric Engineers, Electricians, Firemen, Pumpmen, Reefermen and Welders)                   

                        Original Application Form.    

Discharge books with last two years of experience, or a letter demonstrating experience.

Copy of passport, or Seaman's Passport.

Six color photographs  (1¼’’ x 1¼’’) or (3 cm x 3 cm) with applicant name written in the back.

Medical Fitness Certificate  issued by a physician recognized by the White List country as authorized to carry out seafarers examinations. (Regulation I/9)

Personal Survival Techniques Course (IMO 1.19)

Fire Prevention & Basic Fire Fighting (IMO 1.20) 

Elementary First Aid (IMO 1.13)

Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (IMO 1.21)

Total payment of US$ 125.00, by transfer, company check or international money order, to Consulate General of Panama.

Ratings forming part of Navigation or Engine Watch Room (Able Seaman/AB, Bosun/Boatswain, Oiler and Motorman):                    

                        Original Application Form.    

Discharge books with last two years of experience, or a letter demonstrating experience.

Copy of passport, or Seaman's Passport.

Six color photographs  (1¼’’ x 1¼’’) or (3 cm x 3 cm) with applicant name written in the back.

Watchkeeping Certificates (Reg. II/4 and III/4 of STCW 95) NOTE: if those certificates were issued under STCW 78, applicants should seek their endorsement. In such case, they should include a copy of their valid Seaman's Book, their current certificate and an additional fee of US$30.00.

Medical Fitness Certificate  issued by a physician recognized by the White List country as authorized to carry out seafarers examinations. (Regulation I/9)

Personal Survival Techniques Course (IMO 1.19)

Fire Prevention & Basic Fire Fighting (IMO 1.20) 

Elementary First Aid (IMO 1.13)

Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (IMO 1.21)

Total payment of US$ 125.00, by transfer, company check or international money order, to Consulate General of Panama.

Marine Technicians: (and all individuals that do not fit one of the above categories)                    

                        Original Application Form.    

Discharge books with last two years of experience, or a letter demonstrating experience.

Copy of passport, or Seaman's Passport.

Six color photographs  (1¼’’ x 1¼’’) or (3 cm x 3 cm) with applicant name written in the back.

Medical Fitness Certificate  issued by a physician recognized by the White List country as authorized to carry out seafarers examinations. (Regulation I/9)

Letter of experience or other document evidencing position held on board (company's letterhead). 

Total payment of US$ 125.00, by transfer, company check or international money order, to Consulate General of Panama.

MOU (Mobile Offshore Units): Offshore Installation Manager, Barge Supervisor, Ballast Control Operator, Chief Engineer MOU, Engineer in Charge, Barge Engineer, Subsea Engineer)                    

                        Original Application Form.    

Copy of passport, or Seaman's Passport.

Six color photographs  (1¼’’ x 1¼’’) or (3 cm x 3 cm) with applicant name written in the back.

Title or valid training course.

Medical Fitness Certificate  issued by a physician recognized by the White List country as authorized to carry out seafarers examinations. (Regulation I/9)

Letter of experience (company's letterhead) indicating current and previous positions held on board,  OIM: 4 years of experience required - Barge Supervisor: 3 years - Ballast Control Operator: 1 year.

Personal Survival Techniques Course (IMO 1.19)

Fire Prevention & Basic Fire Fighting (IMO 1.20) 

Elementary First Aid (IMO 1.13)

Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (IMO 1.21)

Total payment of US$ 230.00, by transfer, company check or international money order, to Consulate General of Panama.

MOU (Mobile Offshore Units): (Marine Technician MOU, AB MOU)                    

                        Original Application Form.    

Discharge books with last two years of experience, or a letter demonstrating experience.

Copy of passport, or Seaman's Passport.

Six color photographs  (1¼’’ x 1¼’’) or (3 cm x 3 cm) with applicant name written in the back.

Medical Fitness Certificate  issued by a physician recognized by the White List country as authorized to carry out seafarers examinations. (Regulation I/9)

Letter of experience (company's letterhead). indicating current and previous positions held on board  One year of experience required for AB MOU.

Personal Survival Techniques Course (IMO 1.19)

Fire Prevention & Basic Fire Fighting (IMO 1.20) 

Elementary First Aid (IMO 1.13)

Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (IMO 1.21)

Total payment of US$ 125.00, by transfer, company check or international money order, to Consulate General of Panama.

ship Security officer certificate 

For those already qualified as Ship Security Officer, transitional provisions have been approved in the amendments and allow for continued recognition of personnel who hold a document of qualifications as Ship Security Officers before the entry into force of this regulation, until July 1, 2009.

In relation to this matter, this Administration issued the following guidelines: 

3.1 The Resolution is applicable to seafarers who render services on board of the

following types of vessels, and which are engaged on international voyages: 

Passenger ships, including passenger crafts. 

Cargo Ships, including Cargo Crafts of 500 Gross Tonnage and above. 

Mobile Offshore Drilling Units.

A.  EVERY APPLICATION FOR A SSO CERTIFICATE OR ENDORSEMENT SHALL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING (ADMINISTRATIVE DOCUMENTS):

 Application form. 

 Four (4) color photos 3x3 cm. 

 Copy of passport and in the case of Panamanian citizens’ copy of the

      I.D. Card. 

 Medical Fitness Certificate (Regulation I/9).

IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE SHIP SECURITY OFFICER CERTIFICATE, THE APPLICANT SHALL HOLD:

 Documents mentioned in section A. 

 Valid Appropriate Certificate, issued by the General Directorate of

      Seafarers, of the Officer who render services in the navigation bridge or

      the engine room, according to provisions of the STCW Convention. 

  To perform an approved seagoing service of not less than twelve (12)

       months in the last five (5) years, carrying out chief engineer or bridge

       officer duties onboard. 

 Valid Training Course to obtain the Ship Security Officer Certificate, at

       a Training Center recognized by the Panama Maritime Authority (PMA).

THE APPLICATION FOR SSO CERTIFICATE ENDORSEMENT (REGULATION I/10), SHALL PRESENT THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS: 

 Documents mentioned in section A. 

 Original and Copy of the Certificate (of Home Country License) in

accordance with the STCW Convention (Regulation I/12) from the

applicant’s country.

TO RENEW THE SHIP SECURITY OFFICER CERTIFICATE THE APPLICANT SHALL:

 Documents mentioned in section A. 

 To perform an approved seagoing service of not less that twelve (12)

      month in the last five (5) years, carrying out chief engineer or bridge

      officer duties onboard. 

 Valid Training Course to obtain the Ship Security Officer Certificate, at a

      Training Center acknowledged by the Panama Maritime Authority

      (PMA).

APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATE OF COURSE FOR SHIP SECURITY OFFICER ENDORSEMENT REQUIRES:

 Documents mentioned in section 3.2.

      Original and Copy of the Certificate of Course for Ship Security Officer.

FEES: (US Dollars)         

This Web Site is the result of private initiative and is provided for informational purposes only. While every attempt has been made to ensure its accuracy, the information is provided “as is” and neither the Panamanian Government nor the Consulate General provides any warranty regarding its reliability, completeness or timeliness. As such, they will not be responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of that information. All rights are reserved, including the right to make changes or delete content without notice. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited.