Panama Maritime License

Complete and sign application(s); which will be provided via the web link www.maritimelicensingagency.com The weblink will allow you the option to make the request and upload your valid certificates.

Panama flagged vessel or any other flagged vessel that require a license without preference. Although, some other flag vessels may not accept Panama’s MODU officer license as it is issued in book form and not as an actual paper license (COE – certificate of endorsement).

The issued credential will be valid to term as the same expiry date of documents submitted for the issuance. Licenses that are not certificate of endorsements will be valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. If you are unsure of the expiration date of your license, it can be found on the license itself.

Yes, 18 years of age.

Yes, you may be a non-national to process a request.

The requirements for obtaining a new license or renewing a license are the same. The requirements for each position can found on the Panama Maritime Authority website or we can provide it to you upon request.

The expected processing times will vary from country to country, generally it takes four (4) – six (6) weeks to process. Some foreign flag states will issue a Temporary certificate that is valid for 90 days that, at the discretion of the captains, will allow the mariner to work until the original has been received.

Basic requirements include Panama application, color photo on white background, valid passport, STCW VI/9 medical valid within 2 years or OGUK for lower positions (Ratings) or MOU positions, course certificates valid within 5 years, and additional requirements (specialized medicals and previous documentation of evaluation) for those of India or Philippines nationality. All course requirements can be found on the Panama Maritime Authority website, or we can provide it to you upon request.

No, but you can find the requirements and application online. Or you can allow us to process your application for your Panama license, which can be done online.

Most licenses are transfers. If holding any STCW officer or rating endorsement, it will be transferred from National certificate of competency.

That is to be determined based on the consulate in which the license is being applied to. There are Panama consulates across the world. We use one in the US which means they will accept English or Spanish translation.

Panama will determine if they will issue a license. Normally, it would be difficult to obtain a license with a criminal record. Panama will conduct their own background check and determine if you are allowed to hold their license. You can always apply, but there is a chance of denial. They do not ask for criminal background record on their application or anything to that extent for the application process of a license.