The Panama ship medical chest regulation

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Regulation at a glance

Last verified · 31 August 2026

StatusPanama Maritime Authority Merchant Marine Circular MMC-339 — Medicine Chest and Medical Equipment.
Applies toPanamanian-flagged ships. The inventory must reflect the number of persons on board and the nature and duration of the voyage.
Medical chest basisThe current edition of the WHO International Medical Guide for Ships is used as the medical-chest and medical-equipment benchmark.
Regulatory relationNational Regulation + WHO-based.

MMC-339 requires Panamanian-flagged ships to carry and maintain appropriate medicines and medical equipment. The master is responsible for managing the supplies, although this task may be delegated to a properly trained crew member.

Disclaimer: This page is a practical overview and not legal advice. Always check the current flag-state notices and vessel-specific requirements.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

01 · Confirm applicability

Panamanian-flagged ships. The inventory must reflect the number of persons on board and the nature and duration of the voyage.

02 · Select the correct scale

The current edition of the WHO International Medical Guide for Ships is used as the medical-chest and medical-equipment benchmark.

03 · Maintain compliant stores

Keep medicines, medical equipment and first-aid supplies complete, in date and ready for use.

04 · Verify before inspection

Check the current official sources and vessel particulars before supply, replenishment or certification.

Regulatory framework
National Regulation + WHO-based.
The flag-state’s current legislation and notices determine the final vessel-specific requirements.
!
Dangerous goods & IMDG

Check cargo-specific medical-store requirements

Where dangerous goods are carried, review cargo-specific medical-store requirements and the current IMDG Code alongside this flag-state framework. The applicable flag-state rules remain controlling.

Open official IMO IMDG page ↗

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Keep the statutory basis and vessel-specific working records together so the medical chest can be checked efficiently on board.

Primary legislation
Panama Maritime Authority Merchant Marine Circular MMC-339 — Medicine Chest and Medical Equipment.
Vessel-specific scale
Applicable medical-store requirements
The current edition of the WHO International Medical Guide for Ships is used as the medical-chest and medical-equipment benchmark.
On-board working file
Inventory, expiry and vessel details
Maintain a current vessel-specific overview for replenishment and compliance checks.
✓
Compliance evidence
Inspection and certificate evidence
Retain the inspection, certificate or verification evidence required by the applicable flag-state rules.

HOW SEAFARMA CAN HELP

Seafarma can translate the applicable requirements into a practical vessel-specific supply, inspection and delivery workflow.

Scale review
Identify the applicable medical-store framework and vessel category.
Supply and replenishment
Prepare medicines, equipment and first-aid supplies for the applicable scale.
Inspection preparation
Support inventory checks and readiness for the applicable inspection process.
Ship delivery & agent coordination
Arrange worldwide delivery to the vessel and coordinate ETA, berth, agent details and handover instructions.

Dangerous Goods

When the vessel is carrying dangerous goods, the medical chest should also be in accordance with the following regulation:

get in touch

Seafarma can supply medical stores in accordance with Panama Merchant Marine Circular MMC-339 and can assist with inspection and certification. For offers, orders or quotations, please contact our staff.

Contact us