A-27-2026

Underway transfers and crew changes prohibited in Pacific Panama Canal navigation channel

ActiveReceived 14 Aug 2026, 00:00 UTC

Warning text

Panama Canal Authority Vice Presidency for Operations Advisory To Shipping No. A-27-2026 August 14, 2026 TO : All Shipping Agents, Owners, and Operators SUBJECT : Underway Transfers of Provisions and Crew Changes in Pacific Canal Waters The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) reminds customers that all activities conducted within Panama Canal waters are subject to the Regulation on Navigation in Panama Canal Waters and require prior ACP authorization. Activities not expressly authorized by the ACP that may impede, delay, obstruct, or create risk to navigation, vessel operations, or lock operations are prohibited. Effective as instructed by the ACP, delivery of provisions, spare parts, equipment, or similar supplies, as well as crew changes, shall not be conducted underway in the Pacific navigation channel, including vessels proceeding southbound after departing Miraflores Locks or Cocoli Locks toward Diablo, unless specifically authorized by the ACP for exceptional operational or emergency reasons. These activities must be completed at authorized Pacific anchorage areas or other safe locations designated by the ACP before the beginning of transit, or as otherwise directed by the Authority. Masters, agents, operators, owners, vessel representatives, and launch companies shall plan and coordinate services accordingly before the vessel is underway to transit. This measure is intended to enhance safety of navigation and operational efficiency. Recent cases involving large pallets of provisions and crew changes with multiple persons and considerable baggage have contributed to prolonged movements between Miraflores and Diablo, particularly at night or during the early morning. Such conditions may increase risk during the transfer of personnel or supplies, expose launch crews and vessels to unnecessary hazards, and affect the scheduled positioning of the first Neopanamax transits in the Pacific Channel, including those subject to clear channel restrictions. The ACP will continue to evaluate Atlantic-side operations according to local anchorage limitations, traffic conditions, and prevailing weather or sea conditions outside the breakwater. Any service in Atlantic Canal waters shall be conducted only when and where specifically authorized by the ACP. Failure to comply with ACP instructions may result in administrative sanctions and liability for any costs, damages, delays, or operational impacts resulting from unauthorized activities. For additional information, please consult the Maritime Regulations available at https://pancanal.com/en/maritime-services/maritime- regulations/. For further information or assistance, please contact us at [email protected]. ORIGINAL SIGNED Boris Moreno Vásquez Vice President for Operations 3654-A (OP-I) V. 29/03/2023

Analysis

Active

The Panama Canal Authority prohibits delivery of provisions, spare parts, equipment, and crew changes underway in the Pacific navigation channel (including vessels southbound after Miraflores or Cocoli toward Diablo) unless specifically authorized by the ACP. Such transfers must be completed at authorized Pacific anchorages or other safe locations designated by the ACP before beginning transit, or as otherwise directed. Atlantic-side services require specific ACP authorization according to local anchorage, traffic and weather. Non-compliance may result in administrative sanctions and liability for costs or damages.

Type: Port / channel notice · severity moderate
Location: Pacific navigation channel of the Panama Canal (including southbound after Miraflores or Cocoli toward Diablo); Atlantic canal waters subject to ACP authorization
Validity: From 14 Aug 2026, 00:00 UTC
Effective as instructed by the ACP, delivery of provisions, spare parts, equipment, or similar supplies, as well as crew changes, shall not be conducted underway in the Pacific navigation channel ... unless specifically authorized by the ACP.
Hazards: underway transfers prohibited, unauthorized crew changes, risk to navigation from prolonged transfers between Miraflores and Diablo

Worked out automatically from the warning text on 30 Sept 2026, 17:59 UTC. It can be wrong: the official warning text is the authority.

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