About the Administration
Guatemala’s Maritime
Administration Framework
Supporting maritime safety, vessel administration and seafarer certification through Guatemala’s national maritime framework.
MINDEF
Ministry of National Defense
DIGEMAR
Directorate General of Maritime Affairs
Port Captaincies
Local maritime administration
Who We Are
A clear mandate.
A shared maritime responsibility.
Guatemala’s national maritime authority responsibilities are exercised through the Ministry of National Defense (MINDEF) and its specialized maritime bodies.
Within this framework, the Dirección General de Asuntos Marítimos (DIGEMAR) carries out significant Flag State and Coastal State functions, including maritime safety, security, efficient navigation and pollution prevention.
Port captaincies and other specialized bodies perform complementary roles in Guatemala’s maritime and port-administration system.
National Framework
Government Agreement
85-2019
Designates MINDEF as responsible for the administration, regulation and implementation of IMO conventions within Guatemala’s national framework.
Guatemala Maritime Administration
National maritime framework
Our Responsibilities
Serving the maritime sector
From vessel administration to protection of the marine environment, each function serves a clear public purpose.
Vessel Administration
Registration, matriculation and flagging procedures within Guatemala’s national maritime framework.
Flag State Functions
Inspection and certification of Guatemalan-flagged vessels under the applicable international instruments.
Seafarer Certification
Training, certification, revalidation and related documentation under the national and STCW framework.
Maritime Safety & Security
Audits, inspections and evaluations supporting safe and secure maritime operations.
Coastal & Environmental Protection
Safe navigation and prevention of pollution from ships in Guatemala’s aquatic and maritime spaces.
International Maritime Community
IMO member since 1983
Obligations follow the conventions in force for Guatemala and their applicable national measures.
View IMO membershipOur Service Principles
Clarity in every responsibility
Reliable information and clear guidance toward the competent official procedures for vessels, seafarers and maritime documentation.
Safety
Protecting life at sea, vessels and maritime operations through compliance.
Compliance
Clear guidance on national rules and international instruments in force.
Environmental Responsibility
Supporting pollution prevention and protection of the marine environment.
Clear Public Service
Making official procedures easier to understand and navigate.
Find the right maritime service
Explore the requirements or contact the competent authority.