DGAM ensures lawful, safe, and efficient maritime operations for vessels registered under Guatemala's flag — from provisional certificates to full national registry entry.
End-to-end administration of Guatemala's maritime transport sector, covering vessels, seafarers, ports, and compliance.
Official registration of all watercraft operating under the Guatemalan flag, ensuring legal standing and adherence to international safety conventions.
Issuing STCW-aligned competency certificates to vessel operators, officers, and crew members in accordance with national maritime law.
Routine and targeted inspections of vessels, port facilities, and coastal infrastructure to maintain safety standards and flag-state obligations.
Processing statutory certificates, tonnage surveys, load-line documents, and all statutory marine paperwork with efficiency and accuracy.
Regulating national and international port infrastructure to support safe global maritime commerce and compliance with MARPOL obligations.
Conducting formal investigations into maritime incidents to determine causal factors, assign accountability, and prevent future occurrences.
The Dirección General de Asuntos Marítimos (DGAM) is Guatemala's competent authority for all maritime affairs. Operating from Guatemala City, we administer the national ship registry, certify seafarers, and enforce compliance with the international conventions to which Guatemala is a party.
Our mandate spans international waters and global ports, supporting shipowners, operators, and mariners with efficient, transparent government services — from first registration to ongoing flag-state supervision.
Contact the AuthorityGuatemala's flag grants vessels full international legal standing under the IMO framework, enabling port entry worldwide without restriction.
Qualifying applications receive a provisional certificate of registry within one working day, keeping your fleet operational without costly delays.
DGAM enforces all major IMO safety and environmental conventions, ensuring Guatemalan-flagged vessels meet the highest international standards.
Our technical officers provide direct guidance throughout the registration and certification process — no intermediaries required.
A streamlined process from eligibility check to full entry in Guatemala's national ship registry. Average completion time: 3–5 business days.
Confirm the vessel meets Guatemala's maritime regulations, tonnage requirements, and the applicable international conventions before proceeding.
Submit proof of ownership, reserve the vessel name in the national register, and confirm the applicant's legal standing.
Provide completed application forms, survey certificates, classification society reports, and payment of applicable registry fees.
DGAM technical officers examine all submitted documentation to verify compliance with Guatemalan law and IMO requirements.
Upon approval, a provisional certificate of registry is issued within 24 hours, authorising the vessel to sail under the Guatemalan flag immediately.
Permanent entry in Guatemala's official ship registry with a full documentation package, including the permanent certificate of registry and endorsements.
Confirm the authenticity of vessel registration certificates and seafarer licences in real time. Trusted by port authorities and maritime inspectors worldwide.