In accordance with Resolution ADM No. 210-2021, the Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) has officially reactivated the CoC Up-gradation Process. This resolution allows foreign deck and engine officers who already hold a valid Panama Certificate of Competency (CoC) to upgrade to the next higher rank, provided they meet all required qualifications and training standards.
Upgrading your Panama CoC is a structured and regulated process that enhances your eligibility for higher responsibilities and better career opportunities in the global maritime industry.
Whether you're aiming to move up from OOW Deck Officer to Chief Mate, Chief Mate to Master or from OOW-Engine Officer to 2nd Engineer, 2nd Engineer to Chief Engineer, our expert team is here to guide you through the entire process—from eligibility to documentation.
To upgrade Panama COC following procedure need to be adopted:
1. Letter of Eligibility
2. Up-gradation Course
3. Assessment
4. COC Documentation
Step 1 : Letter of Eligibility
We need to submit required documents (required list of documents is mentioned below) to Panama Maritime Authority. PMA will evaluate your all the documents PMA confirms your eligibility for the desired rank and outlines any limitations i.e., Letter of Eligibility.
To initiate the process, candidates must apply for a Letter of Eligibility from the Panama Maritime Authority.
This document Required documents for Letter of Eligibility:
1. Photo (White Back-Ground) & Signature
2. Approved Panama Medical Certificate
3. Digital copy of Valid Passport
4. Digital copy of Panama CDC with stamp pages
5. Digital copy of Panama COC
6. Digital copy of Sea Service Letters
7. Digital copy of Diploma or Certificate Submitted by which the Coc was Granted
8. Digital copy of GMDSS Endorsement (only for deck)
Letter of Eligibility fees is non-refundable.
Step 2 : Up-gradation Course
After Obtaining Eligibility letter, below documents required for the Up-gradation Process. Once you get the letter of eligibility you can proceed with Up-gradation course. Up-gradation course which was issued before LOE will not be considered valid.
Following courses are mandatory to proceed with Up-gradation Course
1. Proficiency in Personal Survival Techniques
2. Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
3. Elementary First Aid
4. Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities
5. Fast rescue boats
6. Advanced Training in Fire Fighting
7. Medical first aid
8. Medical Care (Only for Management Level)
9. Ship Security Officer / STSDSD
10. Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than fast Rescue Boats
11. Radar navigational, Radar Plotting and Use of ARPA. Operational Level (Only for Deck officer)
12. Radar, Arpa, Bridge Teamwork and Search and Rescue. Management Level (Only for Deck officer)
13. The Operational Use of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) (Only for Deck officer)
14. Bridge Resources Management (Only for Deck officer)
15. Marine Environmental Awareness
16. Leadership and Teamwork
17. Engine Room Resources Management (Only for Engine officer)
18. High Voltage course (Only for Engine officer)
19. Upgrading Course for Master and Chief Mate (Only for Deck)
20. Upgrading Course for Chief Engineer and Second Engineer (Only for Engine)
Step 3 : Assessment
Once candidate completed his LOE, Up-gradation course and all the required Panama STCW Training Courses, he can proceed with Assessment. Assessment is of 7 working days program which consists a theoretical & practical evaluation as per their competency.
Step 4 : COC documentation
Once candidate will complete assessment successfully, we can proceed further with their COC documentation through any Panama Consulate. CRA copy will be provided and in next 20 to 25 working days we can expect their hardcopy.