Panama is a country on the isthmus linking Central and South America. The Panama Canal (82 km long waterway), a famous feat of human engineering, cuts through its center, linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to create an essential shipping route.
The Panama Maritime Authority has been successful in sustaining the shipping industry for over 100 years. Panama operates on what is known as an open registry, its flag offers the advantages of easier registration (often online) and the ability to employ foreign labor. Panama Maritime Authority, being the largest maritime ship registry in the world, has around 8,600+ ships registered, constituting around 40% of the vessels on water.
Obtaining a Panama CoC is very important for Seafarers, willing to expand their job opportunities in order to boost their Marine Career. This is attributed to the fact that Panama with the largest registered fleet is recognized worldwide by most flag administrations.
Panama Maritime Authority has a system of issuing the certificate of competency as they have the reputation of having the top-notch and ‘A-Category’ classification from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), making it a matter of prestige for a Seafarer to possess this certificate. Possessing a Panama Certificate of Competence (CoC) enables one to obtain a Certificate of Equivalence (CoE) and an opportunity to work on any of the 55 flagged ships belonging to the IMO White Flag List.
Please note, according to the new policy, Panama Maritime Authority does not issue new Panama COCs. However, as per published circulars in force, Panama Maritime Authority will proceed with Renewal and Upgradation of Panama COC for those officers who already possess Panama COC and are eligible fulfilling all requirements.
Panama CoC Upgradation
To upgrade your Panama COC to the next higher rank, following are the four stages in the process:
Step 01: Apply for an eligibility letter (LOE) for assessment of sea time through SCMS Marine Training Center.
Note:
- Eligibility Letter can be applied while a candidate is on board a ship.
- Candidate applying for eligibility letter should also have valid Panama STCW courses (These are also conducted at our SCMS MTC)
Following documents are required to apply for eligibility letter:
a) Existing Panama COC
b) Panama Seaman’s Book (CDC) with stamped pages
c) Sea Service letter from RPSL Company (Minimum 12 months sea time in last 5 years)
d) Copy of Passport
e) Valid Panama Medical
f) Signature in Black Ink
Step 02: Upgradation course at SCMS Marine Training Center under guidance of well experienced faculties and simulator training
Step 03: Final Evaluation
Step 04: Issuance of Upgraded COC
Panama CoC Renewal Procedure
To renew your Panama COC, following steps are to be followed:
Step 01. Following documents to be submitted:
a) Existing Panama COC
b) Panama Seaman’s Book (CDC) with stamped pages
c) Sea Service letter from RPSL Company (Minimum 12 months sea time in last 5 years)
d) Copy of Passport
e) Valid Panama Medical
f) Passport Size Digital Photo with White Background and Signature with Black Ink
Step 02. Once the documents are reviewed and confirmed, SCMS Marine Training Center processes the required STCW Courses for Renewal.
Step 03. On completion of STCW Courses, the application is submitted for CoC Renewal Process.
If you are aimimg to grow and expand your maritime career opportunities by obtaining a Panama CoC & CoE, SCMS Marine Training Center is your one stop shop for Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) approved COC Renewal & Upgradation, STCW Courses and other Seafarer’s documentation at lowest cost and fastest pace. This is a golden opportunity for those who want to upgrade existing Certificate of Competency from Operational Level to Management Level and further to Master/Chief Engineer. For those who are willing to obtain a new CoC, please be advised that SCMS Marine Training Center can process their Liberian CoC, as we are the only Institute in India approved by Liberia Registry to conduct exams, training and file applications for Certificate of Competency for Operation & Management Level Officers & Engineers.
