While waiting at the anchorage (Pacific or Atlantic) for transit and weather permitting, Master / Owners can take advantage to perform lifeboat / rescue boats lowering in the water exercise drill in compliance with SOLAS requirements.

Master / vessel need to advise their respective agency and ask for Canal Port Captain’s authorization which is usually granted under the following conditions:

1. The lifeboats will be lowered to the water by means of davits or cranes. The testing of free-falling lifeboats is not approved.
2. At the time of the lowering of the lifeboats, the area must be free of traffic, and there should not be vessels maneuvering in the area.
3. Lifeboats will remain secured aboard when in the water and will not be allowed to navigate in the area.
4. Actual start time and end time must be communicated to Flamenco Signal/ Cristobal Signal Station VHF Ch12 / 272-5717/443-2211.

In case of any emergency, the Port Captain’s Office (272-4215/443 2207) Marine Traffic Control (272-4205) and/or Flamenco Signal Station in the Pacific or Cristobal signal Station in the Atlantic (VHF Channel 12) must be notified as soon as possible to take the proper actions in regard to the incident.