Ship Registry
Advantages of the Panamanian Ship Registry
- Free nationality of shipowners
- Agile and efficient service (24 hours)
- Tax exemptions on utilities from maritime commerce
- Compliance with International Maritime Safety agreements
- No requisites on minimum tonnage
- Security in matters of Registration
- Extensive network of Consulates around the world
- Special Bareboat Registration
- Discount for newly built vessels according to their tonnage
- Discount for vessels belonging to an important economic group
- Discount up to 15% for vessels already registered in Panama based on non-detention by PSC during the last 24 months
For more information please contact us here
Documents downloads
- Maritime Services of our Consulate PDF-Download
Procedure for Ship’s Registration
The procedure for the Registration of Titles and/or Mortgages of vessels is expedient and straightforward. Preliminary Registration can be requested at any Panamanian Consulate.
The Merchant Marine General Directorate will ensure full compliance with national and international regulations in accordance with the legal provisions of Law No. 57 of August 6, 2008; therefore the owner, operator, and/or charterer before applying for the entry into the Panama Ship Registry should complete the pre-check process to ensure that the vessel meets the international standards regarding safety. (MMN-11/2024 – Download)
Registration Requirements:
- To present a request of registration through a suitable attorney in Panama (in case it takes place in a Privative Consulate of Merchant Marine, Economic and Commercial Office of Panama or any other authorized entity for these purposes by the Panama Maritime Authority offshore). This request might be presented by the shipowner or its representative, through the electronic system PKI.
- An original and a copy of the resident agent designation instrument granted by the shipowner. In case of being issued offshore, it should be duly authenticated. (Proxy).
- Prima Facie evidence of the property of the ship or of the intention to acquire said property.
- Vessels dedicated to fishing or that provide support to fishing must show the Fishing License issued by the Aquatic Resources Authority of Panama (ARAP). In case not to have a Fishing License at the time of registration, you must submit a Letter of No Objection, likewise, issued by the Aquatic Resources Authority of Panama (ARAP).
- Any other additional document required by the General Directorate of Merchant Marine.
Once all documentation and registration fees are received, a Provisional Patent will be issued in the Consulate which validity expires within six (6) months, as well as a Provisional Radio Licence, valid for a period of three (3) months.
Annual Taxes
As referred by Law No. 55 of December 5, 1979 and Law No. 57 of August 6, 2008, all vessels in international service registered in the Panamanian National Merchant Marine, shall pay the following annual rates: Tax, Single Rate, Inspection Rate and Rate of Casualty and International Participation (MMC-259-SD-08-11-2023 – Download).
Annual Taxes can be paid through a Panamanian Consulate.
For more information please contact us here
Seafarer’s Licences
The Consulate General of Panama in Hamburg assists in obtaining Panamanian Seafarers‘ Licences (Crew Certificates) provided the recognition of a national Certificate of Competency (CoC) in the same capacity, function, level, limitations and validity of the licence issued under Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978, as amended 1995 (STCW).
The Consulate General of Panama in Hamburg issues Provisional Panamanian Crew Certificates which allow officers and ratings to work on board of Panamanian vessels for a period no longer than ninety (90) days in conjunction with their home country licence. The permanent Seafarers‘ Licences are issued by the Panama Maritime Authority Regional Centre located in London and sent to the Consulate for its distribution.
Following instructions in accordance with the STCW 78/95 Convention, this Consulate accepts only application forms for Endorsements of Titles complying with the 1995 amendments of the STCW 78 Convention.
Any Certificate of Competency must be issued by a Maritime Authority of a country included in the White list published by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Documents downloads
- Application-form PDF-Download
- General requirements PDF-Download
- Requirements MOU / MODU PDF-Download
- Medical-Examination-form PDF-Download
- Fees PDF-Download
