Panama Canal Pilotage

Mandatory transit pilotage by Panama Canal Authority (ACP) pilots, who take con of the vessel from sea buoy to sea buoy.

In practice

Compulsory; pilot embarks at the canal entrance and remains until the opposite end. Transit takes 8-10 hours including locks. Tolls are billed in advance via the agent based on PC/UMS tonnage and cargo type.

Regulatory detail & full definition

Unlike most pilotage where the master retains ultimate authority, in Panama Canal transits the pilot has direct authority over navigation and engine orders. Two pilots per vessel for Neo-Panamax. Locks operations also use locomotives ('mules') for centring. Typical transit 8-12 hours; northbound and southbound convoys.

Authoritative source: Panama Canal Authority ↗

Pilotage
Mandatory Pilotage

Source: Panama Canal Authority Vessel Inspection Standards; Panama Canal Regulations

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Panama Canal Pilotage

In practice

Related

Panama Canal Pilotage

In practice

Related