Panama Canal

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==PANAMA CANAL CRUISER'S GUIDE==
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{{IsPartOf|East Pacific|Central America|Panama}}
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An online cruising guide for the Panama Canal.
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{{TOC block}}
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[[Image:Panama_Canal.jpg‎|frame|right|The Panama Canal]]
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{{infobox canal
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| entrance1=Atlantic Entrance
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| lat1= 9.38743
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| lon1= -79.91863
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| entrance2=Pacific Entrance
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| lat2= 8.88846
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| lon2= -79.52145
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| image=Panama_Canal.jpg
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| imagetext=The Panama Canal
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}}
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===Background===
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The '''Panama Canal''' is a man-made canal in [[Panama]] which joins the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. One of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken, it had an enormous impact on shipping between the two oceans, replacing the long and treacherous route via the Drake Passage and [[Cape Horn]] at the southernmost tip of [[South America]].
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The Panama Canal is a man-made canal in Panama which joins the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. One of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken, it had an enormous impact on shipping between the two oceans, replacing the long and treacherous route via the Drake Passage and Cape Horn at the southernmost tip of [[South America]].
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While the Pacific Ocean is west of the isthmus and the Atlantic to the east, the journey through the canal from the Pacific to the Atlantic is one from east to west. This is a result of a the isthmus's "curving back on itself" in the region of the canal. The Bridge of the Americas at the Pacific end is about a third of a degree of longitude east of the end near [[Christobal|Colon]] on the Atlantic.
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While the Pacific Ocean is west of the isthmus and the Atlantic to the east, the journey through the canal from the Pacific to the Atlantic is one from east to west. This is a result of a the isthmus's "curving back on itself" in the region of the canal. The Bridge of the Americas at the Pacific end is about a third of a degree of longitude east of the end near [[Cristobal|Colon]] on the Atlantic.
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===Canal Authority===
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==Charts==
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[http://www.pancanal.com/eng/index.html Panama Canal Authority]
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''See [[Panama#Charts|Panama]]''.
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Details & contact info.
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===Radio Nets & Comms===
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==Passages==
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''Also see [[HF_Radio|World Cruiser's Nets]]''
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''See [[Panama#Passages|Panama]]''.
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Submit details of HF/SSB Radio Nets and VHF call/operating channels.
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==Communication==
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*
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Use VHF channel 12 while in Canal waters.
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==Canal Authority==
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- Provides details and contact information
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===Arrival at Canal===
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==Navigation==
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'''From the Caribbean'''<br>
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====Atlantic Entrance====
When 8 miles from the breakwater you need to call "Cristobal Signal" on VHF Ch 12 and inform them of your ETA at the breakwater. They will tell you to proceed to a certain distance off the breakwater and call again. Follow their directions and do not deviate from the directions without first getting permission. Transmissions are in English or Spanish.
When 8 miles from the breakwater you need to call "Cristobal Signal" on VHF Ch 12 and inform them of your ETA at the breakwater. They will tell you to proceed to a certain distance off the breakwater and call again. Follow their directions and do not deviate from the directions without first getting permission. Transmissions are in English or Spanish.
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'''From the Pacific'''<br>
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====Pacific Entrance====
When 8 miles from Flamenco Island (where the control station is situated) you need to call "Flamenco Signal" on VHF Ch 12 and inform them of your ETA to the start of the approach channel. They will tell you to proceed to a certain distance off the start of the channel and call again. Follow their directions and do not deviate from the directions without first getting permission. Transmissions are in English or Spanish.
When 8 miles from Flamenco Island (where the control station is situated) you need to call "Flamenco Signal" on VHF Ch 12 and inform them of your ETA to the start of the approach channel. They will tell you to proceed to a certain distance off the start of the channel and call again. Follow their directions and do not deviate from the directions without first getting permission. Transmissions are in English or Spanish.
Please note that both control stations work on the same VHF Ch 12 and it can be confusing sometimes to monitor the required control station.
Please note that both control stations work on the same VHF Ch 12 and it can be confusing sometimes to monitor the required control station.
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===Preparation of Vessel for Transit===
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==Passage through the Canal==
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How should the vessel be prepared for transit?
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====Preparation of Vessel for Transit====
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{{Green|How should the vessel be prepared for transit?}}
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===Documentation Required===
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====Documentation Required====
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Submit information on the documentation required by yachts for transit.
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{{Green|Submit information on the documentation required by yachts for transit.}}
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===Canal===
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====Transit====
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Submit a general description of the canal transit.
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{{GreenText|Provide any notes concerning the passage through the canal.}}
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===Locks===
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====Locks====
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*'''Gatun''': Description?
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; Gatun
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: Description?
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; Pedro Miguel
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: Description?
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; Miraflores
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: Description?
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*'''Pedro Miguel''': Description?
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====Lock Procedure for Yachts====
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; Cleats
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*'''Miraflores''': Description?
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During your transit your cleats will be used in one of three ways as follows:
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# if next to a tug you will be tied on firmly to the tug when ascending or descending in the locks. The tug is against the wall and you are tied onto the tug – you only let go your lines once the lock doors have opened for the next chamber.
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'''Lock Procedure for Yachts'''
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#  If rafted-up to other boats, which appears to only happen in peak yachting season, the outer boats control the lines, similar to the single boat method below.
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*'''Cleats'''. During your transit your cleats will be used in one of three ways as follows:
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# With the single boat mid-lock method the line handlers ashore throw heaving lines to the line handlers aboard. You tie your heavy lines onto their lines and they haul them up and place them on the shore bollards. Your line handlers then take a turn around your cleats and hold onto the lines – make sure you have gloves on – and if going up, everybody takes in line as the boat rises, keeping the boat mid-lock. It is strongly advised to take turns on a winch aft, or windlass drum forward, to control the line, as the tension will be great in the turbulence. Going up in the locks is the most turbulent and needs better control of the lines than going down. The reverse is applicable when going down the other side. The lines are fixed to the shore bollards and the line handlers aboard slowly let out line as the boat drops in the lock.
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**1. If next to a tug you will be tied on firmly to the tug when ascending or descending in the locks. The tug is against the wall and you are tied onto the tug – you only let go your lines once the lock doors have opened for the next chamber.
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* NEVER “tie-off” or lock the line on the cleat unless tied next to a tug or another vessel – if you do and the lock starts emptying, say goodbye to your cleat!
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**2. If rafted-up to other boats, which appears to only happen in peak yachting season, the outer boats control the lines, similar to the single boat method below.
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* You will need four line handlers besides the skipper/captain of your vessel. If you do not have sufficient crew to man the lines, get a few yachties to help but I do recommend you also get at least one person that knows the system to do the transit with you. The best way is to go through as linehandler for another yacht first, to gain experience, and then to look for linehandlers from the yachts that are behind you in the queue. If you are a lass with more brains than brawn, become the official photographer and meals/drinks provider for the transit and get some brawn to handle the lines. Give Rudy a call on 6743-7241. He is a local who has done thousands of transits and two with me – he knows the advisors and the system backwards and can arrange the rent of lines and extra tyres for fenders as well. Remember too that you will have to provide meals to the line handlers and advisors during the transit. (Submitted by member <i>JohnT</i>)
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**3. With the single boat mid-lock method the line handlers ashore throw heaving lines to the line handlers aboard. You tie your heavy lines onto their lines and they haul them up and place them on the shore bollards. Your line handlers then take a turn around your cleats and hold onto the lines – make sure you have gloves on – and if going up, everybody takes in line as the boat rises, keeping the boat mid-lock. Going up in the locks is the most turbulent and needs better control of the lines than going down. The reverse is applicable when going down the other side. The lines are fixed to the shore bollards and the line handlers aboard slowly let out line as the boat drops in the lock.
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**'''NEVER''' “tie-off” or lock the line on the cleat unless tied next to a tug or another vessel – if you do and the lock starts emptying, say goodbye to your cleat!
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**You will need four line handlers besides the skipper/captain of your vessel. If you do not have sufficient crew to man the lines, get a few yachities to help but I do recommend you also get at least one person that knows the system to do the transit with you. If you are a lass with more brains than brawn, become the official photographer and meals/drinks provider for the transit and get some brawn to handle the lines. Give Rudy a call on 6743-7241. He is a local who has done thousands of transits and two with me – he knows the advisors and the system backwards and can arrange the rent of lines and extra tyres for fenders as well. Remember too that you will have to provide meals to the line handlers and advisors during the transit. (Submitted by member ''JohnT'')
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===Current Transit Costs===
===Current Transit Costs===
Submit latest costs for transit (quote date)
Submit latest costs for transit (quote date)
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See the [http://www.pancanal.com/eng/maritime/tariff/index.html Panama Canal Authority website] for the latest transit costs and other important information (updated regularly).
===Agents===
===Agents===
Details of agents and costs.
Details of agents and costs.
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===Marinas & Anchorages (East)===
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==Berthing==
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'''Details for east entry/exit'''.
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====Marinas & Anchorages (Atlantic)====
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*[http://www.shelterbaymarina.com/ Shelter Bay Marina]<br>
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* [http://www.shelterbaymarina.com/ Shelter Bay Marina]
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Submit comments please.
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*[http://public.cwpanama.net/~yacht/bottom.htm Panama Canal Yacht Club]<br>
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Submit comments please.
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*
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*  
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===Marinas & Anchorages (West)===
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====Marinas and Anchorages (Pacific)====
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'''Details for west entry/exit'''
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* La Brisa Anchorage 8°55.1'N 079°31.7W
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*
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* [http://www.flamenco-island.com/english/index.php Flamenco Yacht Club]
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* [[La Playita Marina]]
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* [http://www.panama-guide.com/article.php/20060423154708376 Balboa Yacht Club]
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*
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===Forum Discussions===
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==Forums==
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Links to relevant discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum
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List links to discussion threads on [[Cruising Forums|partnering forums]]. (see link for requirements)
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*[http://www.cruiserlog.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5323 Forum Discussion 1]
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*[http://www.cruiserlog.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5323 Forum Discussion (on CruiserLog)]
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*[http://www.cruiserlog.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5679 Forum discussion on "cleats"]
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*[http://www.cruiserlog.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5679 Forum discussion about "cleats" (on CruiserLog)]
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*
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*[http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/tags/panama-canal.html Panama Canal Sailing and Cruising Discussions on Cruisers Forum]
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*
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===References===
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==Links==
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Books, etc.
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* {{wikipedia}}
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*
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* [http://www.pancanal.com/eng/index.html Panama Canal Authority]
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*
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* [http://youtube.com/watch?v=-vi19z4LEi0 Video of Transit] Time-lapse video of complete transit.
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* [http://hackingfamily.com/Cruise_Info/panama_canal.htm sv Ocelot (Panama Canal page)]
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*
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===External Links===
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==References==
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Links to websites offering information on the Canal.
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''See [[Panama#References|Panama]]''.
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*[http://youtube.com/watch?v=-vi19z4LEi0 Video of Transit] Time-lapse video of complete transit.
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*[http://hackingfamily.com/Cruise_Info/panama_canal.htm sv Ocelot (Panama Canal page)]
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*
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*
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===Personal Experiences===
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{{Comments}}
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*(Posted on 7th Sept. '07 by member "JohnT") I use an agent where a lot of cruisers do everything themselves and thus save quite a considerable amount of money. The reason for using an agent is time - we are undertaking a delivery and the quicker we can get through the canal the better. I used Stanley Scott and he is kept updated as to the date and time of our arrival in Colon. Within an hour of our arrival we have been measured by the Canal Admeasurer and the relevant documentation completed and our certificate issued. This was done at the Panama Canal Yacht Club, where after I motored across the bay to Shelter Bay Marina as there was no room at PCYC for us. Stanley took care of both our immigration, emigration, cruising permit (needed by all yachts irrelevant if cruising or not), Zarpe and other documentation. I include immigration in this as we have two South Africans on board needing visas for Panama. We are supposed to have the visas before arrival but Stanley has a friend who "disregards" this requirement for, I am sure, a small fee, and just stamps our passports.<br><br>So, the cost to us was $1254.00, which included our transit fee, agent fee, immigration, emigration, cruising permit, ''Zarpe'', one line handler with 4 lines and 6 tyres for fenders, two visas and an overtime fee of $20.00 as we arrived on Monday which was declared a public holiday to celebrate the start of work on the new deep-water locking system they want to complete by 2014. We did not pay a deposit of $850 which a cruiser would pay if they were doing all the running around themselves.<br><br>We arrived on Monday and started our transit on Wednesday, completing it on Thursday. Other cruisers I spoke to at Shelter Bay, who had done all the running around themselves, told me that they had been waiting for over a week for a transit and could not understand how we get to transit before them - all I can say is that I am sure some third world under-counter exchanges are made to "make things happen".
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* See [[Talk:Panama_Canal#Gallivanters|Comments]] Posted October '09 by member [[User:Gallivanters|Gallivanters]]
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* See [[Talk:Panama_Canal#JohnT|Comments]] Posted Sept. '07 by member [[User:JohnT|JohnT]]
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*
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* (Post experience here)
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{{Verified by}}
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{{Green|If you provide a lot of info and this page is almost complete, change <nowiki>{{Page outline}} to {{Page useable}}</nowiki>.}}
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{{Guide1}}
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{{Page outline}}
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{{Contributors|[[user:Lighthouse|Lighthouse]]}}
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<center>Back to [[Cruising|CONTENTS]] - Back to [[Panama|PANAMA]]</center>
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[[Category:Canal Transits]]
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Latest revision as of 07:55, 21 August 2018

World ▶ East Pacific ▶ Central America ▶ Panama ▶ Panama Canal

Contents

Panama Canal
Atlantic Entrance
09°23.246'N, 079°55.118'W Chart icon.png
Pacific Entrance
08°53.308'N, 079°31.287'W Chart icon.png
Panama Canal.jpg
Magnify-clip.png
The Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is a man-made canal in Panama which joins the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. One of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken, it had an enormous impact on shipping between the two oceans, replacing the long and treacherous route via the Drake Passage and Cape Horn at the southernmost tip of South America.

While the Pacific Ocean is west of the isthmus and the Atlantic to the east, the journey through the canal from the Pacific to the Atlantic is one from east to west. This is a result of a the isthmus's "curving back on itself" in the region of the canal. The Bridge of the Americas at the Pacific end is about a third of a degree of longitude east of the end near Colon on the Atlantic.

Charts

See Panama.

Passages

See Panama.

Communication

Use VHF channel 12 while in Canal waters.

Canal Authority

- Provides details and contact information

Navigation

Atlantic Entrance

When 8 miles from the breakwater you need to call "Cristobal Signal" on VHF Ch 12 and inform them of your ETA at the breakwater. They will tell you to proceed to a certain distance off the breakwater and call again. Follow their directions and do not deviate from the directions without first getting permission. Transmissions are in English or Spanish.

Pacific Entrance

When 8 miles from Flamenco Island (where the control station is situated) you need to call "Flamenco Signal" on VHF Ch 12 and inform them of your ETA to the start of the approach channel. They will tell you to proceed to a certain distance off the start of the channel and call again. Follow their directions and do not deviate from the directions without first getting permission. Transmissions are in English or Spanish.

Please note that both control stations work on the same VHF Ch 12 and it can be confusing sometimes to monitor the required control station.

Passage through the Canal

Preparation of Vessel for Transit

How should the vessel be prepared for transit?

Documentation Required

Submit information on the documentation required by yachts for transit.

Transit

Provide any notes concerning the passage through the canal.

Locks

Gatun
Description?
Pedro Miguel
Description?
Miraflores
Description?

Lock Procedure for Yachts

Cleats

During your transit your cleats will be used in one of three ways as follows:

  1. if next to a tug you will be tied on firmly to the tug when ascending or descending in the locks. The tug is against the wall and you are tied onto the tug – you only let go your lines once the lock doors have opened for the next chamber.
  2. If rafted-up to other boats, which appears to only happen in peak yachting season, the outer boats control the lines, similar to the single boat method below.
  3. With the single boat mid-lock method the line handlers ashore throw heaving lines to the line handlers aboard. You tie your heavy lines onto their lines and they haul them up and place them on the shore bollards. Your line handlers then take a turn around your cleats and hold onto the lines – make sure you have gloves on – and if going up, everybody takes in line as the boat rises, keeping the boat mid-lock. It is strongly advised to take turns on a winch aft, or windlass drum forward, to control the line, as the tension will be great in the turbulence. Going up in the locks is the most turbulent and needs better control of the lines than going down. The reverse is applicable when going down the other side. The lines are fixed to the shore bollards and the line handlers aboard slowly let out line as the boat drops in the lock.
  • NEVER “tie-off” or lock the line on the cleat unless tied next to a tug or another vessel – if you do and the lock starts emptying, say goodbye to your cleat!
  • You will need four line handlers besides the skipper/captain of your vessel. If you do not have sufficient crew to man the lines, get a few yachties to help but I do recommend you also get at least one person that knows the system to do the transit with you. The best way is to go through as linehandler for another yacht first, to gain experience, and then to look for linehandlers from the yachts that are behind you in the queue. If you are a lass with more brains than brawn, become the official photographer and meals/drinks provider for the transit and get some brawn to handle the lines. Give Rudy a call on 6743-7241. He is a local who has done thousands of transits and two with me – he knows the advisors and the system backwards and can arrange the rent of lines and extra tyres for fenders as well. Remember too that you will have to provide meals to the line handlers and advisors during the transit. (Submitted by member JohnT)

Current Transit Costs

Submit latest costs for transit (quote date)

See the Panama Canal Authority website for the latest transit costs and other important information (updated regularly).

Agents

Details of agents and costs.

Berthing

Marinas & Anchorages (Atlantic)

Marinas and Anchorages (Pacific)

Forums

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

Links

References

See Panama.

Comments

We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.


Verified by

Date of member's last visit to Panama Canal and this page's details validated:


If you provide a lot of info and this page is almost complete, change {{Page outline}} to {{Page useable}}.


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SailorSmiley.gifContributors to this page

Names: Lighthouse


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