Speed You Can Trust Effortless Procedures Certified & Ocean-Ready
We offer a fast, reliable, and hassle-free process to get you certified and ready to sail. Our endorsements are globally recognized, ensuring you meet international maritime regulations with ease.
Welcome to Panama Classification Society
Keeping your vessel compliant starts with your crew. At Panama Classification Society, we make sure your seafarers hold the right certifications and Panama endorsements so your ship stays on course—both legally and operationally. We deliver clear, fast, and dependable endorsement services that fully align with global maritime regulations.
Why Endorsements Matter Under the Panama Flag
Panama Classification Society knows that Panama remains one of the most trusted and efficient flag states in the shipping world. With a reputation for smooth registration and international recognition, it’s a popular choice for vessel owners across the globe. But sailing under the Panama flag comes with a responsibility: your crew must carry valid endorsements that prove their skills and legal standing.
That’s where we come in. Working directly with the Panama Maritime Authority (PMA), Panama Classification Society facilitates official endorsements that confirm your crew’s training, qualifications, and regulatory compliance—keeping your vessel in the clear and avoiding operational issues.
Skipping this step isn’t an option. Without proper endorsements, seafarers can be barred from working aboard Panama-flagged vessels, which could lead to costly delays, penalties, or loss of certification. When you partner with a trusted source like us, you get peace of mind—your crew stays compliant, and your ship keeps moving.
Why Work with Panama Classification Society?
Panama Classification Society offers more than just a paper trail. We simplify the entire endorsement journey with expertise, clarity, and global reach.
In-Depth Knowledge of Crew Certification
We’ve been in this field for years and understand every detail of endorsement protocols. Our team stays current with evolving maritime laws, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks when certifying your crew.
Accredited by the PMA
As an authorized partner of the Panama Maritime Authority, we’re able to process endorsements rapidly and accurately. That means less waiting and fewer interruptions to your schedule.
End-to-End Support
From reviewing initial documents to issuing final endorsements, we manage the entire workflow for you. Whether it’s STCW, officer credentials, or other maritime training validations, we’ve got you covered.
Support Across Borders
No matter where your crew is based—Latin America, Europe, Asia, or beyond—Panama Classification Society is set up to help. Our international support team ensures smooth communication and fast processing worldwide.
Efficient and Affordable
We balance speed with value. Our endorsement services are priced competitively without cutting corners on compliance or quality. That’s how we help keep your fleet both compliant and cost-effective.
About Us
Panama Classification Society is your trusted authority in ship registration and maritime services. Since the launch of the Panama Ship Registry back in 1917, Panama has grown into the world’s largest open registry, with over 9,100 vessels sailing under its flag and a combined gross tonnage of 222.6 million GRT. Our central office is based in Panama City, and we proudly hold ISO 9002 certification, along with full participation in the IMO Audit Scheme.
At Panama Classification Society, we deliver a broad spectrum of maritime solutions, from vessel registration to crew certification and safety inspections. Our flexible manning policies allow for officers and crew members of all nationalities, provided they come from IMO white-listed countries. We also support a strong pool of certified Panamanian seafarers and cadets, ready to join your fleet.
With deep-rooted experience in the maritime industry, Panama Classification Society is dedicated to offering swift, dependable service. Every year, we successfully handle over 2,100 Panama Seafarer Endorsement applications—ensuring your crew meets all international compliance standards without delay.
Over 2100 Panama Seafarer endorsement applications annually
Our Services
VESSEL REGISTRATION SERVICE
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 related vessel documentation.
SHIP REGISTRATION
Panama Classification Society is open to all types of vessels including bulk carrier, cargo ships, tankers, container ships, passenger ships, fishing vessels, tugs, yachts, barges, MODUs and other ocean-going vessels.
ELIGIBILITY
There is no restriction in ownership as all foreign owned companies or individuals may register vessels under the Panama Flag.
MANNING REQUIREMENTS
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.
PANAMA SEAFARER ENDORSEMENTS
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.
RECORDING OF TITLE AND MORTGAGE
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.
WHAT THEY SAY
