Panama Yacht Registration Summary
Panama yacht registration summary is a free information resource designed to
inform the boating public about vessel registry requirements, recording methods, and title
search guidelines for the Republic of Panama. The data is maintained as an
open wiki forum where readers are encouraged to participate by sharing knowledge and experiences
with this particular country. Simply click on the "Wiki-Share" link to contribute further details or suggest a revision.
This information is subject to change and should be confirmed with the respective agency.
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Panama Maritime Authority
Panama Ship Registry
Website
Registry Overview
Panama offers a national registry system for yachts and ships. This is administered by
the Panama Maritime Authority and its network of consulates. The registry provinces
competitive pricing and worldwide services which are backed up by
the government.
Panama, officially known as the Republic of Panama, is a transcontinental country in Central America and South America,
bordered by Costa Rica to the west, Colombia to the southeast,
the Caribbean Sea to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The official language of Panama is
Spanish, although English is widely spoken
with regard to transactions.
Registration Office
The home office of the Panama Ship Registry first opened in New
York and was finally transferred to Panama City. It provides technical support through an
international network, offering certification services to the largest fleet in the world. The administration
has offices in Japan , Greece, South Korea, The Philippines, China, Dubai, United Kingdom, Turkey,
and the United States. Each office is fully independent and can provide full services to any customers.
Registration Requirements
Panama does not have a minimum tonnage requirement,
although certain other conditions may apply. If a vessel that is more than 20 years old, it must
be inspected in order to qualify for a permanent registration.
Panama does not have any restriction as to
ownership nationalities. However, local representation must be established through a representative or by
forming a domestic entity.
Recording Methods
The Panama Maritime Authority has provisions for recording
mortgages against vessels which are enrolled in the registry. A mortgage contract, granted
inside or outside of Panama, may be held in any language and must be in written in a public deed
or a private document. If it is a private document, the signature of the grantors must be authenticated by
a notary public or by a Consul of the Republic of Panama. The mortgage may be executed
in accordance with the formalities required in the country of its granting. The recording
procedures are simple and seek to protect the interests of the vessels owners and lending institutions.
Registration Search
Transcripts of registry showing ownership, mortgages and
vessel specifications may be obtained from any registration office or through a private service
company. Certifications can be issued in Spanish or English, upon payment of the applicable fees.
