PASSAGE PLANNING GUIDE - PANAMA CANAL AND APPROACHES

This Guide details the requirements and preparations for Masters and Navigating Officers on vessels intending to transit the Panamax or Neopanamax locks of the Panama Canal.

Passage Planning Guide: Panama Canal (2024-25 Edition) is the most comprehensive operational and navigational Guide to the Panama Canal.

The goal for Ship Operators, Masters and the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), is that vessels arrive fully prepared to transit and with no unnecessary delays. This Guide will help operators achieve that goal.

As an example, in 2024, sophisticated tankers are still arriving for canal transit with mooring wires presented on arrival for transit, rather than the synthetic mooring lines that are required under ACP's 'Vessel Requirements', Section 9 Mooring Lines.

This Guide provides emphasis on:

- The documentary submissions required by the Master

- the operational aspects of a transit of the Panama Canal

- the navigational elements and necessary contingencies.

Shipmasters will know that a canal transit means a very long day and that are any number of potentials for stress, surprise and unexpected or unannounced occurrences. This Guide is the best available tool to prepare the Master and their officers for a successful transit, by instilling in them the knowledge and confidence necessary for proper preparation and the high level of situational awareness and readiness required for each stage of the transit.