Panamanian Seafarer's Passport

A Panamanian seafarer’s passport can be obtained through Panama’s consulates or the Panama Maritime Authority when applying within the country. If you are in Europe, applications are processed through Panama’s consulate or specialized agencies.

Procedure for applying for a Panamanian Seafarer’s Passport:

Applying through a consulate: You can apply at the nearest Panamanian consulate. For example, the consulate in Marseille handles applications for the Panamanian seafarer’s passport.
Direct application through the Panama Maritime Authority: Documents can be submitted in person at the Panama Maritime Authority office in Panama. This is the most cost-effective method, but it requires a personal visit.

Further details about the requirements and the application process can be found on the official Panama Ship Registry website.

Documents required for applying for a Panamanian Seafarer’s Passport:

Valid national passport
Medical certificate in accordance with Regulation I/9 of the STCW Convention
STCW certificates (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) confirming the seafarer’s qualifications
6 passport-sized photos (3×3 cm)
Seafarer’s passport from the country of origin, if available

Validity and delivery of the Panamanian Seafarer’s Passport:
A Panamanian seafarer’s passport is usually issued for 5 years, although the duration may be shorter depending on the validity of other maritime documents, such as medical certificates and qualifications. The passport can be delivered via international courier services (e.g., DHL) or through an agent who will submit and collect the documents on your behalf. The cost of obtaining the document depends on the submission method and the country of application.

Uses and importance of the Panamanian Seafarer’s Passport:

Identification: It serves as an official form of identification recognized within the maritime industry.
Work experience record: The passport includes entries about the seafarer’s employment on various vessels, which is essential for career development.
Compliance with international standards: The passport confirms compliance with STCW standards, allowing the seafarer to work on Panama-flagged vessels and in many other countries.
Visa-free transit: In some countries, the Panamanian seafarer’s passport allows visa-free transit when changing crews.
Working on Panama-flagged vessels: The passport is required to work on vessels registered in Panama.

Cancellation of the Panamanian Seafarer’s Passport:
The Panamanian seafarer’s passport may be revoked in the following cases:

Violation of safety regulations
Document forgery or unauthorized alteration
Professional incompetence
Alcohol or drug abuse
Physical or mental conditions preventing safe performance of duties

Differences between the Panamanian Seafarer’s Passport and other countries’ seafarer passports:

Dutch Seafarer’s Passport: In the Netherlands, the seafarer’s passport serves as a work record document, but a national passport is required for civilian purposes. It confirms the seafarer’s qualifications according to the STCW Convention but cannot be used as the primary ID.
British Seafarer’s Passport: This can serve as an ID in some countries, but its use is limited. It is issued only to British citizens or seafarers working on British vessels.
Polish Seafarer’s Passport: This passport is recognized within the European Union and serves as an identity document within the maritime industry. However, it may not always be accepted as a primary ID outside the maritime industry.

Cost of the Panamanian Seafarer’s Passport via different channels:

If applying in Panama: The cost of issuing a seafarer’s passport is $8 USD when applied for at the Panama Maritime Authority offices.
If applying through a consulate: At consulates, such as the one in Marseille, the cost is significantly higher, reaching up to $270 USD. This includes additional fees for document processing and shipping.
Online submission through the Panama Maritime Authority is not currently available for those in Europe. As a result, applicants from abroad must use consular or intermediary services to apply for the seafarer’s passport.