Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) ship certificates
A Panama-flagged vessel needs valid ship certificates to sail, enter ports and pass inspections. Many are issued by the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) and others come from the Public Registry. This guide summarizes the most common ones and when they are required.
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Who issues ship certificates in Panama?
The AMP's Directorate General of Merchant Marine issues the registration and operating documents for Panama-flagged vessels, both in Panama and through authorized consulates and offices abroad. The technical and safety certificates required by international conventions are, in many cases, issued by recognized organizations acting on Panama's behalf. Ownership and encumbrance certificates are issued by the Public Registry.
Most common certificates and documents
- Navigation patent, provisional or permanent: authorizes the vessel to sail under the Panama flag.
- Radio license: authorizes the use of the vessel's radio equipment. A provisional license is granted during registration, followed by the permanent one.
- Minimum safe manning certificate: states the minimum crew the vessel must operate with.
- Deletion (cancellation of registry) certificate: required when the vessel leaves the Panama registry for another flag.
- Ownership and encumbrance certificates (Public Registry): confirm who owns the vessel and whether mortgages are registered.
When are they needed?
- When registering a vessel or changing flag.
- For port state inspections and audits.
- When selling or financing the vessel, to prove ownership and encumbrances.
- When renewing expiring documents or when the vessel's details change.
Steps to obtain a certificate
- You tell us the vessel's name, registration number and the certificate you need.
- We check that the vessel is up to date with the AMP, since many certificates are only issued with no outstanding payments.
- We ask for the supporting documents required, such as forms or technical certificates.
- We file the request with the AMP or the Public Registry.
- You receive the certificate in the format the issuing body provides.
Keep your documents up to date
Several of the vessel's documents have a limited validity. Tracking expiry dates avoids delays in ports and inspections. If you wish, we remind you in advance of upcoming renewals.
Legal basis
- Law 57 of 2008 on the Merchant Marine.
- Decree Law 7 of 1998, which created the Panama Maritime Authority.
- International maritime conventions to which Panama is a party, such as those on safety of life at sea and seafarer training.
Frequently asked questions
Can you process certificates for a vessel that is in another country?
Yes. Many filings are made with the AMP in Panama or electronically, without the vessel having to be in Panama.
What if the vessel has outstanding payments with the AMP?
Some certificates are not issued until the situation is regularized. We tell you what is needed to get up to date.
Does the AMP issue the ownership certificate?
No. Vessel ownership and mortgages are recorded at the Public Registry of Panama, which issues those certificates.
How long does it take?
It depends on the certificate and the vessel's situation. We give you a realistic estimate in the quote.
General information only. It does not replace advice for your specific case; requirements and official fees may change.