- The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) recorded a 12% rise in employment contracts for Panamanian seafarers in early 2025.
- Strong partnerships with global shipping companies and support organizations have increased employment opportunities.
- Between January and April 2025, 307 seafarer contracts were registered signaling consistent year-over-year growth.
The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) has reported a 12% increase in employment contracts for Panamanian seafarers during the first four months of 2025—a promising outcome credited to the strategic initiatives of the Seafarer Recruitment Committee. Speaking at the closing session of the Committee’s 17th meeting, Felipe Arias, Acting Director General of Seafarers, emphasized the PMA’s ongoing commitment to fostering quality job opportunities across the maritime, logistics, and port sectors, as reported by Il Nautilus.
Significant Growth in Seafarer Contract Registrations
Mayte Burgos, Head of the Maritime Labour Affairs Department (DALM), reported that 307 seafarer contracts were registered between January and April 2025—a 12.04% increase from the 274 contracts recorded in the same period in 2024, and a 21.34% rise compared to 253 contracts in 2023.
According to the PMA, this growth is supported by bilateral agreements with other maritime administrations and Memoranda of Understanding signed with major shipping companies such as Navesco, Saam Towage, MSC Shipmanagement Limited, Euronav, and Ramsey Greig & Co., in addition to support from organizations like Mission to Seafarers.
Maritime Education and Professional Development in Panama
Panama currently upholds 11 international mutual recognition instruments under Regulation I/10 of the amended STCW Convention, enhancing the professional mobility of its seafarers. Domestically, the PMA continues its partnership with the National Institute for Professional Training and Human Development (INADEH) to assess and improve English language proficiency—an essential skill in today’s global maritime industry.
The Committee meeting also laid the foundation for forward-looking initiatives aimed at strengthening maritime education and employment pathways. One key proposal involves collaborating with the Ministry of Education (MEDUCA) and the Specialized Higher Technical Institute (ITSE) to modernize the Maritime Baccalaureate curriculum, aligning it more closely with the evolving needs of the industry.
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Source: IlNautilus
