Panama ship registry and flag registration

What flag registration is

Flag registration is the recording of a ship in a country's registry, which gives it that country's nationality and the right to sail under its flag. In Panama, the ship registry is run by the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), through its Directorate General of Merchant Marine.

The Panama ship registry is open to owners of any nationality. Depending on the type of ship and its use, the registry can include merchant ships, yachts and other vessels.

Documents usually requested

Every case is different and the AMP sets the requirements according to the type of ship. In general, we review:

• Proof of ownership of the ship (for example, the title or the bill of sale).
• The technical and tonnage details of the ship.
• The deletion certificate from the previous registry, when the ship comes from another flag.
• The technical and safety certificates that apply to the type of ship.
• The owner's documents and the power of attorney for whoever will handle the filing in Panama.

How the process works

First we review your ship's documents and send you a written quote with the requirements that apply to your case and the total cost. Once you approve it, we prepare and file the application with the AMP and follow it up until registration.

Registration usually starts with a provisional registration that allows the ship to sail while the documents are completed, followed by the permanent registration. We explain each stage and what you need for it. At the end we deliver the registration documents digitally or in person in Panama.

Before changing flags

If your ship comes from another registry, it is worth checking a few points before starting:

• That there are no outstanding mortgages or other liens, or that the creditor agrees to the change.
• That the previous registry can issue the deletion certificate when required.
• That the technical and safety certificates are valid for the type of ship and its navigation.
• That the ship and owner details match across all documents.

Ship deeds and certificates

Besides flag registration, we obtain plain or certified copies of ship deeds recorded at the Public Registry, useful for sales, financing or legal procedures, and we request the ship certificates issued by the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP).

What our service includes

• Review of the ship's and the owner's documents.
• Written quote with the requirements and total cost before we start.
• Preparation and filing of the application with the AMP.
• Follow-up until registration.
• Delivery of the registration documents.