Panama Recovers $8.5 Million In Owed Wages For Seafarers In 2024
The Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) has recovered $8.5 million in unpaid wages for seafarers by the end of 2024, a significant jump of 52.70% compared to the previous year’s total of $5,593,941.82.
The effort was led by the Directorate General of Seafarers (DGGM), as part of Panama’s ongoing commitment to improve conditions for maritime workers sailing under its flag.
This development was announced after a recent meeting between AMP officials and a visiting delegation from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).
The visit took place at the DGGM offices, where both parties discussed ways to strengthen collaboration and better protect seafarers’ rights.
Throughout 2024, AMP handled 271 inquiries and responded to 312 maritime labour complaints. These efforts helped repatriate 368 seafarers from different nationalities who were facing issues onboard.
Additionally, 343 maritime labour inspections were conducted on both domestic and international vessels to ensure compliance with labour laws.
AMP said that these achievements were made possible through close cooperation with shipowners, vessel operators, and Protection & Indemnity (P&I) Clubs, which played a key role in resolving complaints and ensuring crew welfare.
The authority has reaffirmed its commitment to continue monitoring the enforcement of national maritime regulations as well as international conventions ratified by Panama.
These include the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 1978), as amended, and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006), as amended, two key frameworks that safeguard seafarer training and working conditions globally.
According to AMP, these measures aim to ensure that all maritime workers under the Panamanian registry are treated fairly and as per international standards.
During the meeting, the ITF praised AMP’s proactive stance. The federation’s Inspectorate Coordinator, Steve Trowsdale, acknowledged the productivity of the discussions and the importance of exchanging ideas to further strengthen worker protections.
The ITF delegation included Edgar Ortiz, Regional Secretary for the Americas; Vladimir Small Ortiz, National Coordinator and a member of the Union of Marine Engineers (UIM); and retired UIM member Bernardo Campos. They were received by senior DGGM officials during the visit.
Reference: Panama Canal Authority