MatchShip Panama – Current Regulations for Yachts

Created by sue. Last modified on 2009-06-02 17:17:55
Countries: Panama

By David Manrique, CEO
MatchShip Panama

Dear noonsite,

I have to say that even for us (yacht agents) the present regulation varies from port to port within Panama.

The present Law number 55 from MARINA MERCANTE, establishes the tariff and conditions in order to obtain a NAVEGATIONAL PERMIT.

In Panama we (yacht agents) face three main issues when it comes to service a yacht: Immigration, customs and maritime authorities.

Some immigration offices demand that any yacht crew that stays longer than 72 hours in Panamanian territory requires a crew visa in order to exit the country, confusing I know but in many cases we are in a position that we have to pay for a visa when that yacht is about to leave a week after their arrival. What we recommend is to stick to the law. If the yacht is to stay longer than a month the best is to go to the main office in DIABLO and speak to the boss there, Mr. Sanchez.

2. Navigational permit: the Government is now stricter about this and tends to issue this permit for not longer than 90 days. Agents are very useful in these cases as the authorities see in them a party (local) to trust. The requirements to obtain a navigational permit are: Port boarding declaration, Ship registry certificate and at least copy of the Captain’s passport. The minimum period for a navigational permit is of one month of validity (USD.29.00); two months (USD49.00) and the maximum period is of three months (USD.69.99). This permit is ordered under Law No. 57 of the Panamanian Merchant Marine, Section 5a, Articles 99, 100 and 101.

3. Fumigation permit: There are many companies authorized to actually fumigate the yacht in order to obtain the fumigation certificate required in other ports of visit, such as GALAPAGOS. Be aware that the only entity authorized perform the inspection is MINISTERIO DE SANIDAD and the cost is of around US$50.00 in the dockage and US$100.00 on the bay at Balboa. Although keep in mind that these prices may vary depending on the area. The fumigation certificate is issued by a Fumigation Company authorized by the MINISTERIO DE SANIDAD. Its cost can vary from company to company; we have prices from 75 to 250. Please refer to Decree No. 232 of 1979 and/or Decree No. 386 of 2004.

I have to say that most Government authorities that visit yachts have a very wrong concept of what their service should be. We highly recommend our customers to inform us as soon as the authorities come on board; we prefer to be present during the inspections.