Panama Canal
Canal transit guide — booking, fees, pilot requirements, lock dimensions and current status.
Booking Required
Yes — advance notice
Pilotage
Compulsory
Transit Time
Varies by canal
Status
Operational
Transit Requirements
Advance Notice: Minimum 24–72 hours pre-arrival notification to canal authority.
Documentation: Ship certificates, crew lists, dangerous cargo declaration, last port clearance.
Pilotage: Compulsory for all vessels above minimum size threshold. Pilot boards at designated station.
Tug Assistance: May be required depending on vessel size and canal section. Mandatory for certain vessel types.
Agent Required: Local canal agent mandatory for booking, fee payment and documentation handling.
Lock / Dimension Limits
Current Status
Last updated: real-time from canal authority. Check with local agent before transit.
Key Contacts
Canal Authority VTS
VHF CH 16 / CH 12
Pilot Station
VHF CH 16 — call on approach