Flag register
Compliance and Advantages for Maritime Companies
The Republic of Panama currently has the largest shipping registry in the world with approximately 8653 registered vessels and 237,600.00 gross registered tons.
The shipping registry and auxiliary maritime activities in Panama are regulated through the Panama Maritime Authority and its Directorates of Merchant Marine, Seafarer, Public Registry and Ports and Auxiliary Maritime Industries.
The flag register in Panama can be of international service, in the case of international
service vessels, and can be divided into:
1. Special flagging by assignment.
2. Regular flagging
3. Temporary flagging
4. Chartering
5. Lay up
Owner can also flag yachts or inland service boats, that only sail in the jurisdiction of
Panama.
Each registration or flagging carries with it the issuance of navigation patents and radio
licenses which are internationally recognized and comply with all required international
standards. Flag fees vary depending on the tonnage and the type of service whether it is
international or inland service.
The General Directorate of Seafarers is in charge of overseeing all matters related to labor relations of crew and shipowners at international level, and labor inspections.
The General Directorate of Seafarers is also in charge of seafarers training centers and authorization of related courses.
The Port and Auxiliary Industries Directorate has, among its main functions, the issuance
of port services licenses, port and environmental protection, as well as the supervision of
port facilities and their proper control.
For flag services, inspections and port operation licenses, please contact us directly.