PMSC Accreditation
Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSC) providing armed or unarmed guards on board vessels transiting through high-risk areas are required by Panamanian law to obtain formal accreditation with the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP).
The accreditation process is highly specialized and rigorous. A typical application can exceed 500 pages and require more than 100 hours of preparation and review. It involves submission and evaluation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Rules for the Use of Force (RUF), security manuals, training programmes, insurance policies, quality standards, office administration, and company organisation.
Our track record
In May 2012, the first Private Maritime Security Company was accredited in Panama, a process managed by ISM Shipping Solutions Ltd. Shortly after, we also prepared the documentation for the second company to be accredited. Since then, we have successfully handled the accreditation of more than 30 PMSCs.
Although the role of PMSCs has evolved, their impact was decisive: piracy in High Risk Areas (HRA) decreased dramatically thanks to their deployment. Today, several veteran and highly experienced PMSCs remain active — companies that not only provide protection but also serve as global intelligence experts, constantly working to combat emerging threats to international shipping.
Why ISM?
Unlike resident agents or Panamanian lawyers who simply request the list of documents required by law, ISM Shipping Solutions knows the industry and the business of PMSCs. We have been directly involved in the anti-piracy sector since 2008 and understand what to ask for, how to prepare the application, and how to avoid unnecessary delays.
- We review, process and prepare every document to AMP standards before lodging.
- Our Managing Director served as Head of Shipping at the Panama Consulate in London for over 20 years, giving us unique insight into how the Panamanian administration works and how they expect applications to be submitted.
- This practical knowledge allows us to reduce turnaround times significantly compared to the industry average.
Multi-Licence Accreditation
As from 15 September 2016, the Panama Maritime Authority introduced the Multi-Licence regime, allowing accredited PMSCs to extend their authorisation to cover subsidiaries and sister companies within the same group. ISM Shipping Solutions Ltd played a central role in lobbying for its adoption and managed the first Multi-Licence accreditations ever issued in Panama.
Continuous support
Our work does not stop at accreditation. We continue to provide support, expertise, and intelligence to our PMSC clients, ensuring compliance and effectiveness long after the licence is granted.
⚠️ Important: Non-accredited PMSCs cannot supply guards to Panama-flagged ships. If your company needs accreditation — or has ongoing contracts without one — contact us without delay.
| Secure a Ship Limited |
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| Ambrey Risk |
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| Neptune/Port 2 Port Maritime Security Limited |  |
| HR Maritime |
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| Trident |
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| ESC |
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| Salama Fikira International |
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| Open Ocean Services Ltd |
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