Noonsite Guide to Transiting the Panama Canal [Handline]
All the Information Needed to Transit the Panama Canal
This Noonsite Guide provides guidance and outlines the regulations for transiting the Panama Canal. It covers pre-transit procedures, regulations, paperwork, how to transit without an agent, equipment, fees and insider tips to aid cruisers planning to transit the Panama Canal.
Small craft vessels up to 38.1 meters (125 feet) in length overall normally transit the Canal as handlines (they do not use locomotives in the locks). Handlines under 20 meters (65 feet) will normally transit the Canal with a transit advisor; while handlines of 20 meters (65 feet) or more will normally require a pilot.
This Guide covers:
- Advance Notification and Admeasure Procedure
- On Arrival Pre-Transit Arrangements
- Panama Canal Fees
- Additional Costs
- Extra Charges or Fines
- Scheduling Procedure
- Waiting Times
- Line Handler Procedure
- Equipment Procedure
- Canal Advisers
- Canal Rules
- Types of Lockage for yachts
- VHF Channels
- Agents services
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See the official Procedures For Securing a Handline Transit document on the Panama Canal website.
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Latest update from agent Erick Galvez:
We currently have a 30-day waiting period after arrival in Canal waters. Shelter Bay Marina or Flats Anchorage/Flamenco Marina, La Playita Marina or La Playita Anchorage
After Canal registration and virtual inspection approval, the criteria is to arrive and obtain a date in the queue.
Yesterday they had open slots for March for yachts with an existing transit date; this does not apply to new ones.
This aims to mitigate the waiting time due to the two rallies in February and one going March 9-14th.
Heavy arrivals of yachts and limited canal advisors (three per day).
Presented from another perspective:
Starting with three advisors up to the lake and finishing the following day with three,
which really means 6 per day
New arrivals will need to plan their voyage during this high-peak waiting time before committing to a transit.
Crew change must be taken into consideration, as nothing is set in stone; the scenario can change
with eventual improvements of slots or delays due to advisor availability.
Advisors are workers within canal authorities who may sign up for transit during their free time or holidays to transit yachts or take their time off.
Although I usually do my own paperwork when dealing with entry, exit and other formalities, I am very happy I chose an agent for the canal transit. He ended up saving me quite a bit of money by processing a in-transit visa which negated the need for a cruising permit, and was reasonable with the line handlers he provided, charging one rate regardless of whether it was a one or two days transit and selecting very high quality experienced handlers. The lines and fender balls he supplied were clean. Most of all, his responses to my numerous questions were almost immediately responded to and when he needed to, would pick up the phone and further explain any questions or confusions I had. I highly recommend Roy Bravo, Whatsapp +507 6678-6820.
Update on PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT SITUATION (EL NIÑO PHENOMENON) from Associated Yacht Services:
Effective July 30th 2023, due to low water levels at Gatun Lake resulting from the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, the Canal Authority is only transiting an average of 32 vessels per day until Sept 2024.
Presently Panama Canal transit delays for unbooked vessels are running very high in the range 16 to 19 days (delays subject to vessel’s size).
Draft restricion in the New locks for bigger ships (Neopanamax locks) still stands at 44 feet. No Draft restriction in the Old locks at the moment.
As for Yachts arriving and transiting because of the Yacht size/length (smaller than commercial ships) delays should be less, however can expect unbooked delays in the range of 2 to 6/7 days subject to changes and latest Canal situation – which changes daily.
For Yachts over 125 feet that use Locomotives and Panama Canal Linehandlers that transits can be Booked for a specific day, the Booking slots for the months of August and September are running out. We strongly suggest to check with your agent in time if you are planning to transit the Canal soon, as conditions will change as well as the amount of Booking slots.
Delays for Yachts less than 125 feet are not running too high at this moment.
The Panama Canal has confirmed a Lane Outage at Pedro Miguel Locks (only the West Lane) from May 9th until May 16th (8 days) as per
Advisory To Shipping No. A-19-2023. Significant delays in unbooked vessels will be expected during this period and several days after the maintanance is completed. Booking a slot is only possible for boats 125ft and over and costs US$10,500.
From Erick Galvez, agency Centenario & Co SA:
FOR YOUR INFORMATION, SAILORS TO TAKE PRECAUTION AT THE GATUN MOORING (V. RUSTY) AND BE AWARE THAT ALTHOUGH WE WASH ALL OUR LINES AFTER USE, SOME STAIN WILL NOT COME OFF FROM THE LINES. SKIPPERS MAY NOTICE THE STAIN WHEN WE HAND OVER LINES, BUT THEY WILL NOT DIRTY YOUR BOAT. HOWEVER DURING TRANSIT LINES MAY COME BACK WITH FRESH GREASE FROM THE WALL AND DIRTY THE BOAT. TAKE THE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS.
The Panama Canal has scheduled a locks maintenance outage in Gatun locks from July 5th to July 14th (10 days). Significant Panama Canal delays of several days will be expected during this period. If considering transiting the canal during this period it is recommended to book a slot ASAP to avoid delays.