- May 5, 2022
- By wpadmin
- Uncategorized
What is Panama Seaman’s Book and Why You Need It?
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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.
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.
If you want to start a business in Panama, shipping company may be your best option. There are many benefits of registering a ship under Panama flag including: No tax on income, 100% foreign ownership allowed, No requirement for board meetings/minutes or financial statements, no requirements to have Panamanian shareholders or directors of companies.
In addition to that there are no restrictions on hiring crew and officers from any countries. Panama Flag ships can travel freely between all ports around the world without having to obtain visas for crew members. The registration fees are reasonable compared with other flags of convenience, low annual tonnage taxes, no special taxes on real estate owned by a company or individuals.
Panama has the world’s biggest register administration, followed by Liberia, the Marshall Islands, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Panama Seaman’s book is more commonly known as a Seafarer’s Identification document, issued by The General Administration of Maritime Affairs (AGADEMAR) which since 1929 has been in charge of compiling information related to ships that are flying under Panamanian flag.
AGADEMAR itself uses two types of books for identification purposes: Seafarers Identification (SID) Service Record (SR) Both these books are required for those who want to work on board Panamian registered vessels. The Seaman’s Identification Card (Carnet de Mariner), also called Seafarer’s ID or Seafarer’s Document, is an official identity document that certifies the identity of seafarers from Panama, and allows them to travel on board foreign flagged vessels outside their home country.
Panama CDC is a seaman book which is received after completion for certification courses.
A Panama Seaman Book can be issued by following categories:
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.
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