The PMA (Panama Maritime Authority) receives 8.5 MILLION US dollars in back wages for defrauded seafarers

The fact that seafarers in international shipping are often cheated and not paid their wages is a sad reality. But there are also positive developments: The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) has significantly strengthened its cooperation with the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) in the area of the Directorate General of Seafarers (DGGM).

A meeting in Panama City focussed on the protection of seafarers sailing under the Panamanian flag. According to the PMA's press release, 271 enquiries and 312 labour-related complaints have been processed in 2024 alone. In total, outstanding wages totalling USD 8.5 million have been claimed - an increase of 52.7 % compared to the previous year (USD 5,593,941.82). In addition, 368 crew members of different nationalities were successfully repatriated - in close coordination with shipowners and operators.

Looking ahead to the remainder of 2025, the PMA reaffirmed its commitment to the consistent implementation of both national and international regulations. These include the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006), as amended.

However, neither specific shipping companies, operators nor responsible companies were named in the announcement.