The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) considers proper boarding facilities to be an absolute necessity to ensure the safety of their personnel, as well as others using these facilities while in Canal waters. To promote awareness and compliance with Canal requirements by vessels in our waters, the ACP will hold its annual “Safe Boarding Week” from July 24-28, 2023. During this period, the ACP will emphasize and encourage safe boarding practices on all vessels arriving at the waterway.

“Safe Boarding Week” activities will involve inspections of boarding facilities by personnel who normally board vessels, such as Canal Port Captains, Pilots, Transit Vessel Inspectors, Chemists, Emergency Response personnel, Admeasurers, Deckhands, as well as ship’s agents.

Vessels at Balboa Anchorage will have their boarding facility arrangements inspected utilizing the “Safe Boarding Week 2023 Inspection Checklist”. Vessel masters will be provided with the results of the inspection and those vessels deserving special recognition for excellence will be presented with plaques following the inspection. Vessels with boarding facilities determined to be below acceptable standards must correct the deficiencies prior to transit.

For inquiries or additional information, please write to Arqueadores@pancanal.com

This document is cancelled automatically for record purposes on July 31, 2023.