Panama – MLC 2006 Exemption Certificate and Dispensation Letter

C26044 | 25 Sep 2026

Notice to: Ship Owners / Managers / Operators / Masters

The Panama Maritime Authority has issued MERCHANT MARINE CIRCULAR MMC- 302 dated August 2026, concerning the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC) – Exemption Certificate and Dispensation Letter, in relation to accommodation and recreational facilities.

EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE AND DISPENSATION LETTER

Due to the number of Panama-flagged vessels whose construction was completed, or whose keel was laid after 20 August 2013, and which may not comply with the Standards and/or Guidelines of MLC Title 3, Regulation 3.1, the Panama Maritime Authority has established the following measures.

Where a vessel does not comply with Law Decree No. 86 of 2013, Title IV, Chapter I – Accommodation and Recreational Facilities, corresponding to MLC Title 3, Regulation 3.1, Standard A3.1, Part A, an Exemption Certificate must be obtained. The application shall be submitted through the SEGUMAR 2.0 platform.

Where a vessel does not comply with Law Decree No. 86 of 2013, Title IV, Chapter I – Accommodation and Recreational Facilities, corresponding to MLC Title 3, Guidelines, Part B, a Dispensation Letter must be requested. The request shall be sent to mlc@segumar.com or mlcassist@segumar.com, explaining the reasons for the non-compliance and attaching a copy of the vessel’s plan. The Dispensation Letter is issued free of charge by the Segumar Technical Office – Panama or an International Segumar Office.

For both applications, the following documents shall be submitted:

• Patent or Navigation Statutory Certificate
• Maritime Labour Certificate, if applicable
• Two updated financial securities

For an Exemption Certificate, the official payment receipt shall also be submitted.

For vessels under construction, the request shall be submitted by the Shipyard or Class/Recognized Organization, including their comments.

DOCUMENTATION

The Exemption Certificate number shall be included in DMLC Part I. The Dispensation Letter shall be attached to the Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC) and the Maritime Labour Certificate (MLC) and shall be kept available for inspection by the competent authorities.

VALIDITY OF EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE

If the vessel changes its name, ship-owner, Recognized Organization, Manager Company, GT, or other applicable particulars, the Exemption Certificate becomes invalid. In such cases, the entire application process must be repeated.

Act now

Ship Owners / Managers / Operators / Masters are encouraged to review the vessel’s compliance with MMC-302 and ensure that any required Exemption Certificate or Dispensation Letter is obtained and properly maintained onboard.