Reporting a boating accident in Panama: AMP and SENAN

Report a boating accident in Panama to the AMP (Autoridad Marítima de Panamá) on its accident line (Segumar), its 24-hour call centre or the Capitán de Puerto. If anyone is hurt or missing, call 911 and VHF 16 first, and SENAN responds at sea. In canal waters, tell the ACP signal station on VHF 12. The AMP then investigates causes.

Who takes the report

All numbers are from the AMP's emergency-lines page and other official pages; see who to call for sources. Check them before you print.

What counts as an accident worth reporting

We found no published AMP rule for recreational boats that sets a damage threshold or a deadline for reporting. In practice, report:

• any injury or death, and anyone missing
• any collision with another boat, a dock or a structure
• groundings that cause damage or need a tow
• fires, sinkings and capsizes
• fuel or oil spills, which go to the AMP's 24-hour spill lines
• any incident on a charter with guests aboard

If you are unsure, report it. Ask the AMP officer for a reference number and the name of whoever took the call.

What happens after you report

The AMP investigates marine accidents through the Departamento de Investigación de Asuntos Marítimos, part of its Dirección General de Marina Mercante. Recent public cases show the pattern:

• After a yacht fire at Amador in November 2024, the department gathered evidence to find the root causes, while the ports directorate watched for fuel spills.
• After a barge collision at Isla Colón in Bocas del Toro in November 2024, it opened an inquiry to issue recommendations and prevent repeats.
• After a tourist was injured at Cayo Zapatilla in February 2026, La Prensa reported that the AMP was investigating under the IMO Casualty Investigation Code. The aim was to establish what happened and who was responsible.

Expect requests for the boat's papers (patente or licencia de navegación), the captain's licence, the crew and passenger list, and statements. An officer may inspect the boat. Have copies ready.

Writing the report: what to include

Whether the AMP asks for a written report or only takes a phone call, write your own account the same day while memories are fresh. Keep it factual and short. Include:

• When and where: date, time, GPS position and a description such as "off the north point of Contadora".
• The boat: name, registration or patente number, flag, length, and the captain's name and licence.
• People: everyone aboard, injuries, and any witnesses with their phone numbers.
• Conditions: wind, sea, visibility, tide state and light.
• What happened, in order, without guessing at blame.
• Who you called: each agency, the time, the officer's name and any reference number.
• Damage: to your boat, the other boat, docks or the reef, with photos.

Write it in Spanish if you can, or attach a Spanish version, and sign and date it. Keep the original and give copies.

Accidents in canal waters

From the Balboa and Colón approaches through the locks and Gatún Lake, the ACP controls the water. Tell the Flamenco or Cristóbal Signal Station on VHF 12 at once, and follow its instructions. The ACP records traffic on VHF 12, 13 and 16 at its signal stations so that accidents and incidents can be reconstructed later. Expect the ACP to be involved in any inquiry, alongside the AMP for the boat itself. See canal approach traffic safety.

Injuries, deaths and the police

When someone is seriously hurt or dies, the case is no longer only a maritime matter. Police and prosecutors may open their own file, and the boat may be held. Get first aid and medical help first; see medical emergencies afloat. Then:

• do not move or repair the boat until the authorities say so, unless it is unsafe to leave it
• keep the GPS track and photos
• write down names and phone numbers of everyone aboard and any witnesses
• speak to a Panamanian lawyer before you sign a statement in Spanish you do not fully understand

Your insurer, and extra steps for charters

Tell your insurer the same day. Most policies require prompt notice. Send the AMP reference number, photos and your written account. See boat insurance claims in Panama.

Charter operators carry more paperwork. Keep the SENAN passenger manifest, the safety briefing record and the booking. Your civil liability insurer will want them, and so may the ATP. The charter incident evidence guide lists what to keep. The incident report template gives you one form to fill in on the day.

Your practical starting checklist

1. Call 911 and VHF 16 first if anyone is hurt, missing or in danger.
2. In canal waters, tell the Flamenco or Cristóbal Signal Station on VHF 12.
3. Report the accident to the AMP Segumar line or the 24/7 call centre.
4. Ask for a reference number and the officer's name.
5. Fill in the incident report the same day, with photos and the GPS position.
6. Notify your insurer, and send the report and the reference number.

Frequently asked questions

The next question to answer

Every number in one place. Read Boating emergencies in Panama: who to call.

One form for the day of the accident. Read Incident report (Panama).

What officers check. Read SENAN and AMP boardings.

Same topic in Florida: coming from the US? Compare One moment, please....

Official resources

Use the relevant Panamanian authority for current requirements and fees. These resources are the next place to check; a practical recommendation is not an agency determination.

• AMP: Líneas de emergencia (Segumar accidents, call centre, Capitán de Puerto) ↗
• AMP: AMP investiga incendio en el yate Condor I (Nov 2024) ↗
• AMP: AMP investiga choque de una barcaza en Isla Colón (Nov 2024) ↗
• La Prensa: AMP investigation after Cayo Zapatilla accident (secondary, press, Feb 2026) ↗
• ACP Maritime Operations Manual, Section 6: Communications (recorded VHF 12, 13, 16) ↗