Requirements For Obtaining a Panamanian License As Deck Officer or Engineer

In order to obtain a Panamanian License as Deck or Engineer officer you must obtain a Degree in a Maritime University. When graduated you are issued a Title as a Merchant Marine Officer from your country. With the Merchant Marine Title you may obtain Panamanian Title from the Panama Maritime Authority with the similar rank only. This process is called a Title Endorsement. In order to obtain a title endorsement you will need to comply with the following requirements From Panama Maritime Authority (AMP):

  1. Administrative Requirements
    1. Every application form must have the following administrative requirements:
      1. Application Form
      2. Six (6) photos full color of 3 x 3 centimeters (shoulder and face without hat), recent no more than six (6) months.
      3. Passport (Non Panamanian) or Identity Card (Panamanian) [Original and Copy].
      4. Valid Medical Fitness Certificate (Regulation I/9). Each Consulate is obliged to request the Maritime Authority of the Country the “List of Approved Doctors” and send a copy to the respective Regional Documentation office of the Panama maritime Authority.
      5. In the case of the Certification Department, you have to make a payment of USD$8.00, by franking machine print, based on Article 55 of the Law No. 8 of March 15, 2010 or pay at the offices of the Autoridad Nacional de los Ingresos Públicos (bring receipt).
      6. In the case of Consulates/Authorized Offices, add USD$10.00 handling for each process (each endoresemnt or/and license).
  2. Technical Requirements
    1. Every application must contain the following certificates of training, valid, issued by an accredited training center for the purpose by a competent authority.
      1. IMO 1.13 – Elementary First Aid.
      2. IMO 1.19 – Personal Survival Techniques Course.
      3. IMO 1.20 – Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting.
      4. IMO 1.21 – Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities.
      5. Security courses for each level as applicable:
        1. IMO 3.27 – Security Awareness Training for all Seafarers – Support Level.
        2. IMO 3.26 – Security Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties – Operational & Management Level.
  3. Requirements for Endoresement for Deck and Engine Officers
    1. Every application must have the following documentation:
      1. Administrative Requirements (Point A)
      2. Technical Requirements (Point B)
      3. Security Courses (Point B-5, Operational or Management Levels).
      4. title under the convention STCW’ 78, as amended (Regulation I/2) issued by a Maritime Administration of a Country recognized by the International Maritime Organization.
  4. Requirements for Deck Officers
    1. Every application must have the following documentation:
      1. Administrative Requirements (Point A)
      2. Technical Requirements (Point B)
      3. Experience letter and Officer Seaman Book (evidence of experience). [Panama Office of the Certification Department (Oficina de Atención al Público) for Panamanian Diploma and for graduates officers credits]
      4. IMO 1.07 – Radar Navigation, Radar Plotting and Use of ARPA – Radar Navigation at Operational Level.
      5. IMO 1.23 – Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (other than Fast Rescue Boats).
      6. IMO 1.25 or 1.26 – General or Restricted Operator’s Certificate for GMDSS
      7. IMO 1.27 – Operational Use of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), if applicable.
      8. IMO 2.03 – Advanced Training in Fire Fighting.
    2. For Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch, additionally should have:
      1. IMO 1.14 – Medical First Aid.
    3. For Master and Chief Mate and First Deck Officer, additionally should have:
      1. IMO 1.08 – Radar, ARPA, Bridge Teamwork and Search and Rescue – Radar Navigation and Management Level.
      2. IMO 1.15 – Medical Care.
      3. IMO 1.22 – Ship Simulator and Bridge Teamwork.
      4. IMO 1.24 – Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats.
      5. Manila Amended:
        1. IMO 1.38 – Marine Environmental Awareness, if applicable.
        2. IMO 1.39 – Leadership and Teamwork, if applicable.
        3. Bridge Resources Management. (Regulation II/1, Section A – II/1 and Table A – II/1).
  5. Requirements for Radio Operators
    1. Every application must have the following documentation:
      1. Administrative Requirements (Point A)
      2. Technical Requirements (Point B)
      3. IMO 1.25 or 1.26 – General or Restricted Operator’s Certificate for GMDSS, or 1st or 2nd Class Radio Operator.
  6. Requirements for Ship Security Officer
    1. Every application must have the following documentation:
      1. Administrative Requirements (Point A).
      2. Technical Requirements (Point B-1-4).
      3. Have current/valid Official License with the Panama Maritime Authority.
      4. IMO 3.19 – Ship Security Officer Course.
  7. Requirements for Engineer Officers
    1. Every application must have the following documentation
      1. Administrative Requirements (Point A)
      2. Technical Requirements (Point B)
      3. Experience letter and Officer Seamn Book (evidence of experience). [Panama Office of the Certification Department (Oficina de Atención al Público) for Panamanian Diploma and for graduates officers credits].
      4. IMO 1.23 – Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (other than Fast Rescue Boats).
      5. IMO 2.03 – Advanced Training in Fire Fighting.
    2. For Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch, additionally should have:
      1. IMO 1.15 – Medical Care.
      2. IMO 1.24 – Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats.
      3. IMO 2.07 – Engine-Room Simulator. For officers who have completed a navigation period up to ten (10) months or more but less than twelve (12) months. For inactive officers who do not meet the required navigation period in the last five (5) years or more.
      4. Manila Amended:
        1. IMO 1.38 – Marine Environmental Awareness, if applicable.
        2. IMO 1.39 – Leadership and Teamwork, if applicable.
        3. Engine Room Resources Management. (Regulation III/1, Section A-III/1 and Table A-III/1).
  8. Requirements for Use of Electronic Chart:
    1. Every application must have the following documentation.
      1. Administrative Requirements (Point A)
      2. Technical Requirements (Point B)
      3. Have current/valid Official License with the Panama maritime Authority.
      4. IMO 1.27 – Operational Use of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS).

For other requirements please contact us.