Port of Colon is your trusted maritime partner, offering deep industry expertise and a strong international presence. The ship registry associated with Port of Colon traces its roots back to 1917 and has since evolved into the world’s largest open registry. Today, more than 9,100 vessels sail under the flag, representing a combined gross tonnage of 222.6 million GRT. Operating from our headquarters in Panama City, Port of Colon maintains ISO 9002 certification and actively participates in the IMO Audit Scheme. Our service portfolio includes professional vessel registration, crew certification, and comprehensive maritime safety inspections. The Manning and Certification division at Port of Colon welcomes officers and crew members of all nationalities. We certify seafarers from countries listed on the IMO “white list” and can also connect shipowners with fully qualified Panamanian seafarers and cadets when required. Each year, our team successfully processes more than 2,100 Panama Seafarer endorsement applications, supported by extensive hands-on experience within the global maritime sector. Port of Colon remains committed to delivering efficient, reliable, and timely solutions across every aspect of your shipping operations.
Port of Colon is your trusted maritime partner, offering deep industry expertise and a strong international presence. The ship registry associated with Port of Colon traces its roots back to 1917 and has since evolved into the world’s largest open registry. Today, more than 9,100 vessels sail under the flag, representing a combined gross tonnage of 222.6 million GRT. Operating from our headquarters in Panama City, Port of Colon maintains ISO 9002 certification and actively participates in the IMO Audit Scheme. Our service portfolio includes professional vessel registration, crew certification, and comprehensive maritime safety inspections. The Manning and Certification division at Port of Colon welcomes officers and crew members of all nationalities. We certify seafarers from countries listed on the IMO “white list” and can also connect shipowners with fully qualified Panamanian seafarers and cadets when required. Each year, our team successfully processes more than 2,100 Panama Seafarer endorsement applications, supported by extensive hands-on experience within the global maritime sector. Port of Colon remains committed to delivering efficient, reliable, and timely solutions across every aspect of your shipping operations.
Port of Colon is open to all types of vessels including bulk carrier, cargo ships, tankers, containerships, passenger ships, fishing vessels, tugs, yachts, barges, MODUs and other ocean-going vessels.
The office is completely empowered to process all applications for temporary and permanent registration of a vessel and including the registration of maritime Liens, issuance of seafarer endorsements, obtaining transcript of registry amongst many other Panama Ship Registration related vessel documentation.
There is no restriction in ownership as all foreign owned companies or individuals may register vessels under the Panamanian flag
Panama is a party to the STCW Convention, as amended and is on the IMO White List of countries that have given full effect to this Convention. There are no nationality restrictions.
The Seafarers Department is responsible for the processing of seafarer documents in accordance with the STCW Convention and the monitoring of crew compliance on board all Panama registered vessels. Application for endorsement certificates can be made through our office and will be issued within a matter of 2 hours.
The recording of title deeds, mortgages, liens and encumbrances or any other assignments relating to any registered vessel is governed by the Merchant Shipping Act.
