DGGM, DGRPN of the PMA Recertified after Strengthening Quality Management Process

By Giovanni Young

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The directorate general of seafarers (DGGM) and the directorate general of public registry of ship ownership (DGRPN) of the Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) have been recertified under the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) standard, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to efficiency, transparency, and continuous improvement.

PMA deputy administrator Alexander De Gracia emphasized that this achievement reflects the ongoing dedication of the technical teams and the trust that users place in the Panamanian Registry.

“This recertification confirms our adherence to international quality standards and underscores the importance of these processes for the country,” he stated.

The scope of DGGM’s system includes oversight of maritime training provided by Panama-authorized Maritime Training Centers, the recognition of medical examiners for issuing medical certificates, and the provision of certification services for seafarers working aboard Panamanian-flagged vessels.

Its director, Felipe Arias, highlighted that the external audit demonstrated the coordinated efforts of all staff—including regional offices, which are now also part of the certified scope.

Meanwhile, DGRPN deputy director Lourdes Sandoval noted that the recertification comes at a pivotal moment following the implementation of the Electronic Ship Registry (REN) in May 2025, a milestone that modernized and digitised all processes within the department.

The scope of this certification encompasses the registration of vessels, titles, mortgages, encumbrances, domain limitations, and all related services that support the national merchant marine.

“This accomplishment reinforces our mission to provide legal certainty and reliable services to Panama’s maritime community,” Sandoval affirmed.

José Aurelio Chong, representative of the certifying body Bureau Veritas, underscored that this advancement positions the PMA as a benchmark among ship registries worldwide.

“Meeting international standards strengthens Panama’s maritime reputation and enhances the competitiveness of each managing division,” he remarked.

This entire process was supported by the Office of Planning, which leads the strategy for reinforcing the Quality Management System, with the technical backing of Bureau Veritas—a global leader in inspection and certification with 198 years of expertise.