Report On Using An Agent Through Panama Canal 2004

Created by doina. Last modified on 2004-07-22 11:25:21
Countries: Panama

Here is my report on the quality of service provided by Panama Yacht Services who are listed as an agent to be considered to facilitate a Panama Canal transit on Noonsite. I have also attached a copy of the invoice (see below) that includes not only the agency fee and the transit of the Canal but also all of the incidental costs associated with immigration, exit, line handlers and lines. We incurred some additional discretionary costs associated with moving crew from the airport to Colon. This is captured under the heading "Transportation".

The rationale in using an agent was to meet a time constraint. In addition, the crew that had sailed from St. Martin was available to make the transit, thereby avoiding the additional cost of line handlers if we were to successfully transit within a few days of arrival at Colon. Panama Yacht Services stated that they would achieve transit within 24-48 hours of our arrival. In the event, due to a shortage of "pilot advisors", transit did not occur for eight days. My crew had to return to their homes and I was then in need of four line handlers.

I chose professional line handlers arranged for by Agencia Naviera Servimundo and I had few regrets about this decision since the transit was flawless in execution and three different methods of locking through were employed. However, it should be noted that the cost of line handlers was $15 per person higher than the $50 that is considered standard. At the end of the transit, the line handlers demanded a tip of $5 each bringing their total cost to $70 per man.

I was told by PYS that we were fortunate to be able to make the transit as quickly as we did. Nevertheless, it was a far cry from the 24-48 hours promised when the contract was made. Furthermore, there were additional unidentified costs including a charge of $100 with no justification and a charge of $50 for communications when the only communication between us was by internet. This may have been a charge for PYS time in communicating with me. If so, then this should have been included in the agent's fee. The fee of $56.52 for using a credit card was not identified when PYS was employed.

Would I use PYS again? Time was of the essence. I had a deadline to meet to get the boat to Ecuador and I am certain that using an agent facilitated the process and certainly removed considerable stress associated with the time constraint. PYS behaved very professionally throughout and their agent Servimundo was exceptionally professional and delightful to work with. In fact, when we arrived at Balboa at the end of the transit, Servimundo were there to ensure that our exit arrangements were quickly completed while also convincing that BYC Marina manager that, yes, he had promised us a mooring. The transit was completed in 7 1/2 hours. We loaded fuel and water and departed the following morning. If under a similar constraint, I would use an agent again, however, I would shop around and negotiate while making sure I was aware of all of the "hidden" costs. It was considerably more expensive than I anticipated. To be frank, I would simply contact Nelson Newball at Agencia Naviera Servimundo (505-227-3320, Cellular 507-612 7513) directly.

If one is not under a time constraint, it will be obvious that a considerable sum will be saved by the do it yourself approach which of course, most cruisers successfully follow.

Regards,

Jim Patek s/v Let's Go Puerto Lucia, Ecuador

Canal Transit Expenses

Tolls - Canal Transit $500.00

Canal Inspection Fee $50.00

Canal Security Fee $50.00

Authorities Reception at Cristobal $20.00

Crews Visas Stamps on Passport $30.00

Migration Registration $3.00

Photo for Registration $6.30

Navigation Permit $77.20

Mooring Lines Rental $60.00

Four line Handlers $65.00 ea. $260.00

Clearance from Cristobal $1.50

Agency Fee $300.00

Transportation $50.00

Communications $50.00

Guest Services $80.01

Misc $100.27 Sub Total $1538.00 5% Gov't Tax $76.90 3.5% Credit Card Chrg $56.52

Grand Total $1,671.42

The above report is the personal opinion of Jim Patek, and not that of Noonsite. We have posted it on Noonsite as we receive many queries about the costs of a Panama Canal Transit. Panama Yacht Services have been contacted if they wish to comment on any aspects of the above report. Doina Cornell, Noonsite Manager.