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Seafarer Index
Portugal flag

🇵🇹 Portugal

ISO PRT / PT

Regulatory

MLC 2006
ratified (2013-08-07)
Paris MoU rating
white
Tokyo MoU rating
white
USCG Qualship 21
not listed
ITF FoC
not listed

Registry

Vessel count
400
Deadweight
5
Administration
Autoridade Marítima Nacional (AMN)
File a complaint
Official form

Includes Madeira International Ship Register (MAR) which is ITF FoC listed

Compliance history

Country context

Population
10,804,871 (2025)
GDP per capita
$32,082 (2025)
Income group
High income
Region
Europe & Central Asia

Source: World Bank Open Data.

What this means for seafarers

  • MLC 2006: This flag has ratified MLC 2006. Vessels must hold a valid Maritime Labour Certificate + DMLC Part II posted onboard. You can file an MLC complaint via the flag administration.
  • Port-state-control profile: high-performing flag — fewer detentions on average. Read about PSC regimes →
  • STCW: Party to STCW. Verify a CoC issued under this flag at the administration.

See also: flag risk explained · MLC ratification list · white/grey/black lists.

Reference

  • III Code — the IMO flag-state audit scheme measuring implementation of IMO instruments.
  • Port state control — how Portugal-flagged ships are inspected + detained in foreign ports.
  • Minimum safe manning — the SOLAS V/14 basis for Portugal's manning documents.
  • Marine cyber incidents — case studies + the IACS UR E26/E27 cyber-resilience regime.
No vessels indexed under Portugal yet. Try MarineTraffic vessels under PRT.

Ports in Portugal

All ports in Portugal →

Portugal flag: FAQ

Is the Portugal flag safe for seafarers?
The Portugal flag holds a strong port-state-control (PSC) reputation across both Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU regimes. It has ratified MLC 2006, which gives seafarers the international right to inspection and complaint. A safer flag does not mean every vessel is safe — operator + classification society still drive day-to-day conditions.
Has Portugal ratified the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006)?
Yes — Portugal has ratified MLC 2006 (ratified 2013). Seafarers serving on Portugal-flagged vessels are entitled to make MLC complaints through the flag administration, port state, or seafarer welfare organisations such as the ITF.
How do I file a complaint against a Portugal-flagged vessel or operator?
Complaints can be lodged with the Autoridade Marítima Nacional (AMN) via their official complaint procedure. Under MLC 2006, complaints may also be lodged with the port-state authority of any MLC-ratified port. The ITF and seafarer welfare organisations (Mission to Seafarers, Stella Maris, Sailors' Society) can advocate on your behalf. Keep contract, wage records, and seaman's book ready.
What port-state-control rating does Portugal have?
Paris MoU rating: white. Tokyo MoU rating: white. PSC ratings classify flags by inspection and detention history. White / low-risk flags face fewer PSC inspections; black / high-risk flags face more frequent inspection and a higher detention rate.
Is Portugal on the ITF Flag of Convenience (FoC) list?
No — Portugal is not currently on the ITF Flag of Convenience list. Seafarers retain general ITF-channel access for advocacy and abandonment response regardless of FoC status.

Compare Portugal with another flag

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High confidence

Editorial confidence: how we grade. Data sources and methodology: /sources.

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