The Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) recently convened with delegates from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) to enhance protections for maritime workers under the Panamanian flag. A key agenda item was the Directorate General of Seafarers’ (DGGM) initiative to recover $8.5 million in unpaid wages owed to seafarers by the end of 2024, marking a significant increase from the $5.6 million recovered the previous year.
In 2024, AMP addressed 271 inquiries and 312 maritime labor complaints, facilitating the repatriation of 368 crew members from various nationalities. The authority also conducted 343 maritime labor inspections on both domestic and international vessels, underscoring its proactive approach to labor standards.
Looking ahead to 2025, AMP reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring compliance with legal regulations and international conventions ratified by Panama, including the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers and the Maritime Labour Convention.
ITF Inspector Coordinator Steve Trowsdale highlighted the meeting’s productive discussions, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of both organizations to enhance the welfare of seafarers.
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