Panama operates one of the largest open ship registries worldwide under a long-established maritime regime. As of 1 January 2025, UNCTAD reports that vessels registered under the Panama flag account for 15.2% of global merchant fleet deadweight ton capacity and 11.8% of total world fleet value by flag of registration, which helps explain the attention given to flag status and the consistency of registry entries. In this context, a sailing license refers to the navigation patent, an official document issued through the registry that confirms the vessel is entered under the Panama flag and authorized to trade. It is a vessel-level authorization, not a captain’s personal license. The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) administers the registry and issues navigation licences and related records.
Overview of the Sailing License
The navigation patent is the primary registration and operating document for a Panamanian-flagged maritime craft. It sets out the name of the unit, IMO number, tonnage, call sign, owner, and other registered particulars, together with references to the legal basis for operation and the technical certificates that support the registry file.
Why It Is Required in Panama
Authorities and commercial counterparties rely on the sailing license or patent as proof that a maritime craft holds valid Panamanian registration and is subject to applicable navigation and safety rules. This document may be reviewed during Port State Control (PSC), other inspections, and harbor calls, as well as during transactional due diligence when parties need to confirm that the registry record matches the technical certificates carried on board.
Within Panama’s Merchant Marine administration, accuracy of registry entries and prompt reporting of changes form part of the shipowner’s ongoing obligations.
Types of Regulatory Navigation License
For most shipowners, the Panama sailing license follows a two-step process within the flagging system.
Provisional Patent
The provisional patent is usually the first navigation document issued when a craft is entered under the Panamanian flag. It allows the ship to operate while the registration file is opened and the required core documentation is completed within the applicable time limits. At this stage, owners usually submit technical certificates and ownership support materials, and a counterparty may request a Registration Certificate (or written confirmation that the process is in progress) before closing, chartering, or financing transactions.
Permanent Patent
A permanent patent is issued once the ship’s registration file has been completed and accepted by the maritime authority. From a due diligence perspective, it confirms that the vessel is no longer operating under a provisional record. Even after issuance, the sailing license remains subject to navigation and safety requirements under Panamanian law. When granted for multiple years, this permit is treated as the full-term authorization, subject to renewal and continued compliance.
How to Apply to a Sailing License in Panama
In this process it usually starts by deciding how the ship will be entered in the Panama flag register. Since the filing path and required documents vary depending on the chosen registration route, whether the vessel follows the regular registry process, a bareboat charter registration, or a temporary navigation entry.
From there, the applicant compiles the supporting records in the format required by the Panama Maritime Authority (PMA). Official guidance sets out the conditions and filing channels for the navigation patent and should be treated as the primary guide when compiling the application. The resident agent, often a Panama-based law firm, commonly coordinates submissions and communications with the maritime offices on the owner’s behalf.
Where to Submit:
- Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) in Panama for ship registration and navigation permit matters.
- Panama Merchant Marine Consulates for overseas filings related to provisional registration.
- Other channels allowed under the applicable regime, such as foreign offices and electronic submission methods.
When the unit is a yacht, the registration aspect is commonly handled through the boat registry in panama. The process typically starts with a provisional patent and then moves to a full-term authorization. Keeping names, specifications, and ownership details consistent across forms and supporting documents helps avoid delays.
Maintaining Your Patent: Renewals and Obligations
Owning a navigation authorization in force involves more than retaining a copy of the sailing license on board. Panamanian Merchant Marine legislation, particularly Law 57 of 6 August 2008, considers that maintaining an up-to-date status depends on continuous administrative compliance. This means monitoring validity dates, keeping registry particulars up to date, paying applicable taxes and fees on time, and maintaining current safety and technical records, updating them whenever changes are made to the registry.
Compliance expectations can also change through new resolutions and operational controls. For example, Reuters reported in May 2025 that Panama strengthened requirements for ship-to-ship oil transfers for Panama-flagged vessels, citing an official decision published in the Gaceta Oficial. Under the measure, planned STS transfers must be reported to the Panama Maritime Authority in advance, underscoring the registry’s focus on closer monitoring and consequences for non-compliance.
Obtain Professional Support for Panama Flagging and Licensing
If you are considering applying for a sailing license or Panama flagging, legal guidance can be particularly valuable when a transaction is time-sensitive, ownership involves multiple parties, or documentation gaps require careful sequencing. Kraemer & Kraemer assists with vessel registration and the preparation and submission of the supporting records required by the maritime authorities.
Contact us today to request legal assistance and discuss the steps and documentation applicable to your vessel.
