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What is Panama Seaman’s Book and Why You Need It?

What is Panama Seaman Book and Why You Need It?

When cruising through Panama, you’ll notice that all ships have to carry the Panama Seaman’s Book and CDC (Certificate of Discharge).

When you first see this book, you might wonder why, but after learning the reasons behind it, you’ll be glad to have it aboard your ship. This article will explain what the Panama Seaman’s Book and CDC are, why they’re necessary, and how they work with all ships operating in Panama waters.

About Panama Seaman Book

The best thing about working in Panama, a country located between Central America and South America, is that you don’t need a work permit to have a job. However, all foreigners must register their residence with Migration before starting to live in Panama.

The registration process for new residents includes several documents, such as medical check-ups and certificates of good conduct from their countries of origin. One of these required documents is called Panama Seaman’s Book.

This document is issued by Panama Maritime Authority and its main purpose is to protect Panamanian workers against illegal employment practices. If you want to work legally in Panama, it is mandatory to get your own copy of Seaman’s Book at any time when you are staying in Panama. In fact, if an employer hires a foreigner without seeing his or her Seaman’s Book first, he or she will be subject to fines and even imprisonment! If you are going to stay in Panama for more than 30 days, it is recommended that you apply for your book at least one month prior to your arrival date.

What Our Services Offer:

  • Panama (Panamian) Seaman Book or Panama CDC book is authorized French seafarers, crew, workers, and officials permission to work aboard Panamanian-flagged vessels.
  • Our service offers to provide Panama CDC seaman book after the successful completion of STCW certification.
  • We offer crew officers navigational training which is authorized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

What Our Services Offer:

  • We provide CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate) and RCOP (Recognition of a Certificate of Proficiency) services. Our rates are affordable, and we have the calculations prepared. There are no hidden costs. Digital payments are simple to make. We provide the greatest service to our clients.
  • We work with English-speaking Panama Certified Public Accountants (Panama CPAs) and Panama Tax Attorneys and law firms on a regular basis.
  • Customer registration Services, includes  Panama Certificate of Competency (COC) and Certificate of Endorsement (COE).

What are the benefits of Panama Seaman Book?

There are several benefits that you can derive from having a Panama Seaman Book, some of them are stated below:
 
  1. Having a Panama Marine License or Seaman book is the greatest way for graduate maritime students to get their first employment, as well as for officials and other mariners seeking to advance their careers in the marine industry.
  2. Panama has the world’s largest number of registered ships.
  3. The Panamanian Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) is one of the requirements that foreign seafarers must meet in order to be eligible to operate onboard Panamanian flagged ships, which is the world’s biggest registry.
  4. Competency and career growth options are also offered to ship’s ratings who aspire to become officers on the Panama-flagged vessel.
  5. Panama, as one of the world’s maritime powers, offers a lot of chances in its fast growing merchant marine industry to highly-skilled and professional seafarers.
  6. First of all, your security will be guaranteed to foreign countries where you do business with.
  7. You will not be denied services in any way because of your PANAMA SEAMAN BOOK.
  8. Your passport will have more validity period than ordinary passports.
  9. Your rights as a seaman are protected by law when you have your own PANAMA SEAMAN BOOK.
  10. Your personal information is kept private from people who may want to use it for illegal purposes or personal gain.
  11. If you happen to lose your passport while on board, there is no need for worry as long as you have your own PANAMA SEAMAN BOOK.
  12. The PANAMA SEAMAN BOOK gives you access to free medical treatment in case of an emergency.
  13. The PANAMA SEAMAN BOOK protects you from being kidnapped or held hostage if taken prisoner during war time.
  14. You cannot be detained without cause if your passport has been verified and stamped with a valid PANAMA SEAMAN BOOK.
  15. A certified copy of your PANAMA SEAMAN BOOK will be accepted anywhere else in the world as proof of identity and citizenship , which makes traveling easier.
  16. Having a PANAMA SEAMAN BOOK means that you have one less thing to worry about while out at sea.

What are the documents required for availing Panama Seaman Book?

Panama CDC is a seaman book which is received after completion for certification courses.

A Panama Seaman Book can be issued by following categories:

  • COE with CDC ( Officers )
  • CDC ( Ratings )
  • GMDSS Endorsement
  • SSO Endorsement
  • STSDSD Endorsement
  • Watch Keeping with Endorsement
  • Oil / Chemical / Gas Tanker Endorsement
  • Ship’s Cook with Endorsement
  • COC RENEWAL

Final Thoughts:

Getting your Panama Seaman’s book is a mandatory requirement when you are looking to start working on a merchant ship. This book helps verify your credentials as a seafarers. While obtaining one can be an arduous process, keep in mind that it’s important to stay up-to-date with your credentials as a seafarers.

If you are looking for a step-by-step guide for obtaining a Seaman’s book in Panama, then look no further. This is all you need to know to obtain one. Once you have it, go ahead and see what services are offered by Otho Global Services.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why is the Panama CDC considered a top choice for international seafarers in 2025?
    Panama CDCs are widely accepted, processed quickly, and preferred by major shipping companies for global deployment.

  2. What documents do I need for Panama CDC application in the UAE ?
    Passport, medical certificate, valid STCW, sea service letter (if applicable), and passport-sized photos—all scanned and uploaded via an authorized agent.

  3. Can non-Panamanian citizens apply for Panama CDC through UAE agents?
    Yes—Panama CDCs are available for most nationalities via licensed maritime agents in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and major GCC ports.

  4. How fast is Panama CDC processing compared to other flags?
    With all documents ready, typical processing is 3–7 business days. Fast-track service is available for urgent cases.

  5. Is the Panama CDC valid for ships under other flags?
    Absolutely—Panama CDC gives global eligibility and smoothens compliance for crew joining with diverse fleets.

Seaman Book/CDC is issued in 20 days, and is valid for five years.

We are a certified Seafarer agency that processes Panama CDC all over the world.

PROCESSING TIME – 20 Days

Note: Offer For Unlimited Time

For Complete Package of STCW with CDC   Contact Us

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