During the current administration of the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), through the General Directorate of Seafarers (DGGM), the historic recovery of USD$15,763,052.24 has been achieved in concept of wage payments owed by shipowners, to seafarers who sail on Panamanian-flagged vessels. Out of the aforementioned record figure, USD$5,315,909.99 correspond to the year 2022.
Likewise, 1,248 maritime labor complaints have been processed, 81 maritime labor conciliations and through the intervention of the AMP the shipowners, operators and Protection and Indemnity Clubs (known as P&I Clubs), the repatriation of 1,864 crew members of various nationalities was carried out. They were found abandoned on Panamanian-flagged ships in different parts of the world, allowing them to return to their homes with their families with the payment of their owed wages, guaranteeing due compliance with national and international regulations that protect their labor and social rights.
Closing of the year 2022:
– The payment of USD$ 5,315,909.99 in wages owed by shipowners to seafarers was modified.
– Processing of 451 labor complaints.
– Processing of 25 labor reconciliations.
– As a result of the intervention of the AMP, it was achieved that the shipowners carried out the repatriation of 478 crew members of Panamanian-flagged vessels, in various parts of the world.
Nationwide, 935 maritime labor inspections have been carried out, of which 351 correspond to the year 2022. It is important to add that this year inspections will continue on board domestic and international service vessels of the Panamanian registry, in compliance with the provisions of Decree Law No. 8 of February 26, 1998 and Executive Decree No. 86 of February 22, 2013.
This arduous work proves once again our commitment to comply with international conventions and national regulations that regulate the work of seafarers on board Panamanian-flagged ships, such as the Maritime Labor Convention, 2006 amended, ratified by the Republic of Panama in 2009; its regulation in Panama through Executive Decree No. 86 of 2013 and Executive Decree No. 160 of March 3, 2021, through which decent work is guaranteed, achieving these excellent results.
The General Directorate of Seafarers of the Panama Maritime Authority ensures that the labor rights of seafarers are respected, putting into practice the procedures aimed at quickly and effectively resolving conflicts and problems that affect seafarers, giving the guarantee of a safe support as a serious and responsible registry of ships.
Source: Hellenic Shipping News
