WaterFront Maritime Services

Panama

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Crew Changes in Panama

Crew Changes are allowed in Panamá, but the following restrictions apply:

On signers

  • Local Authorities do not allow on signers coming from South America, all countries. Same applies for persons that were in transit in any country of South America.
  • Local Authorities do not allow on signers coming from United Kingdom and South Africa. Same applies for crew that were in transit in any of the mentioned 2 countries.

Off signers

  • For vessels coming from South America, United Kingdom & South Africa, off signers are subject to the approval of Local Authorities. If approved, the outbound flight must take place on the same day of the disembarkment.
  • Off signers are not allowed to stay at a hotel.

Please note that Tocumen International Airport was re-opened October 12th, 2020. Seafarers should have PCR or Antigen testing on hand (held 48hrs before the flight) on their arrival. But, if they do not have a covid test on hand, the authorities are allowing to perform a quick tests on site. Costs $ 50.00. Adding to this info, government informed that they can decide if any passenger arriving to Tocumen can be chosen random to perform the test. Therefore, we suggest any seafarer arriving carrying US$ 50.00 in cash to cover this new fee & regulation, in case required.

In addition, and very important to mention, the authorities are requesting seafarers disembarking Balboa & Cristobal the following, further to the other documents already requested:

  • PCR COVID TEST NEGATIVE on hand from their last port.

Note: If they do not have a PCR test, the agency must coordinate a laboratory to go on board. This result must be presented at the airport for their departure.

Unfortunately, this will require and additional launch to perform this operation.  They are not allowing anybody to disembark if they don’t have a negative Covid test.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1610646682198{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Disclaimer: As local conditions and regulations can change by the hour, before making any firm plans please contact Americas.Ops@waterfront-ms.com to give you the latest updates for individual countries.[/vc_column_text][stm_post_comments css=”.vc_custom_1610646690833{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-right: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][stm_sidebar sidebar=”272″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Section 2″ tab_id=”COVID-19-2″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading source=”post_title” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][stm_post_details][vc_custom_heading text=”COVID-19 Global Port Restrictions” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1621556071927{margin-top: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”]

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Urgent For Crew Changes At Panama

Please note that Tocumen International Airport was re-opened October 12th, 2020. Seafarers should have PCR or Antigen testing on hand (held 48hrs before the flight) on their arrival. But, if they do not have a COVID-19 test on hand, the authorities are allowing to perform a quick tests on site. Costs $ 50.00. Adding to this info, government informed that they can decide if any passenger arriving to Tocumen can be chosen random to perform the test. Therefore, we suggest any seafarer arriving carrying US$ 50.00 in cash to cover this new fee & regulation, in case required.

In addition, and very important to mention, the authorities are requesting seafarers disembarking Balboa & Cristobal the following, further to the other documents already requested:

  • PCR COVID TEST NEGATIVE on hand from their last port.

Note: If they do not have a PCR test, the agency must coordinate a laboratory to go on board. This result must be presented at the airport for their departure.

Unfortunately, this will require and additional launch to perform this operation. They are not allowing anybody to disembark if they don’t have a negative COVID-19 test.

Situation will remain same at least until the end of this month , as previously informed by government. We expect more restrictions in the coming days, so instead of improving it will be more restrictive. So at the end of the month will be update if there are any change. Before this date will not change anything.

Kindly note the following due to COVID-19 situation:

Please note that the National Government of Panamá implemented a total lock down in Panamá, becoming effective today 25th March / 5am until further notice. Only 2 hours per day will be permitted for every citizen to buy supplies and medicines. The maritime related companies will be allowed to operate, but transport from one point to another will only be authorized with the presentation of a safe passage. Delays might be expected on many services due to check points .

A skeleton staff is on duty and we are fully operational while taking care of business from our home locations.

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1610646682198{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Disclaimer: As local conditions and regulations can change by the hour, before making any firm plans please contact Americas.Ops@waterfront-ms.com to give you the latest updates for individual countries.[/vc_column_text][stm_post_comments css=”.vc_custom_1610646690833{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-right: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][stm_sidebar sidebar=”272″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Section 2″ tab_id=”COVID-19-3″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading source=”post_title” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][stm_post_details][vc_custom_heading text=”COVID-19 Global Port Restrictions” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1621556081891{margin-top: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”]

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Requesting a Daylight Transit Service through the Canal

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announces that, effective May 1, 2020, the following will apply to vessels requesting a Daylight Transit Service through the Canal:

  • If the request is made at the time of submitting their booking application, vessels are required to place a guarantee that covers both the Booking fee and the Daylight Transit Service fee within the time allowed.
  • If the request is made after their booking slot has already been awarded and their booking guarantee has been received, vessels shall place the guarantee for the Daylight Transit Service in order for the request to be accepted.
  • If the request is submitted during the 3rd Booking Period, the vessel will not be required to place a guarantee for the service in order to be accepted, and will be charged for the service at the time of the vessel’s transit.
  • Similarly, vessels that already have a Daylight Transit Service confirmed by the ACP prior to the effective date of this advisory will be charged for the service at the time of the vessel ́s transit.

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1610646682198{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Disclaimer: As local conditions and regulations can change by the hour, before making any firm plans please contact Americas.Ops@waterfront-ms.com to give you the latest updates for individual countries.[/vc_column_text][stm_post_comments css=”.vc_custom_1610646690833{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-right: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][stm_sidebar sidebar=”272″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Section 2″ tab_id=”COVID-19-4″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading source=”post_title” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][stm_post_details][vc_custom_heading text=”COVID-19 Global Port Restrictions” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1621556091148{margin-top: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”]

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Procedures for all Small Crafts Below 20 Meters or 65 Feet

Due to the current outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Republic of Panama and around the world, through the Ministry of Health (MINSA), the Panamanian government has imposed a total quarantine in the Republic of Panama. Consequently, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) deems it necessary to implement strict measures to reduce the exposure to COVID-19 and protect the health of its employees, the Panamanian people, as well as vessels’ personnel, in order to prevent further spread of the virus. Therefore, the following procedures will be implemented for all small crafts below 20 m (65 feet) in length overall (LOA) effective April 09, 2020:

  1. Upon arrival at Balboa Anchorage or Cristobal Breakwater, the small craft shall contact the corresponding signal station announcing its arrival and requesting anchoring instructions, if applicable.
  2. All crew and passengers arriving in Canal waters on board pleasure yachts are required to remain aboard under observation and surveillance by Panamanian authorities for a period of not less than 14 calendar days, regardless of port of origin or amount of days at sea.
  3. Upon completion of this 14-day period, they will be evaluated by the Ministry of Health (MINSA) to determine if there is any risk of contagion. Likewise, the master/skipper shall report to Canal and Panamanian health authorities if any passenger or crewmember on board shows virus-related symptoms or any other sickness.
  4. In order for personnel on board to properly maintain quarantine, all transit arrangements shall be made by a representative ashore, such as a local agent or the corresponding marina where the small craft is anchored or moored.
  5. The small craft representative shall call the ACP Admeasurement Unit (tel. 272-4577) in order to provide all the required information.
  6. In addition, the small craft representative shall send to NTOT-AS@pancanal.com the following information:
    1. Yacht SIN number, name, flag, length (m), beam (m), arrival date confirmation (provided by the representative or the marina)
    2. Arrival crew list
    3. Yacht’s register
    4. Profile picture of the yacht
    5. Signed Release for
    6. Completed Handline Lockage Request form
    7. Copy of all crew passports
  7. The agent or representative shall make arrangements for placement of the transit guarantee, or payment in cash, which shall include tolls and other maritime services, as well as the buffer.
  8. Once the guarantee has been confirmed, the representative or marina shall call the ACP vessel scheduler, at 272-4202 to coordinate their transit date.
  9. In addition to the master/skipper, the small craft shall have at least four-line handlers available, as required by ACP regulations. These line handlers must have already been onboarding the small craft during the quarantine period mentioned in point (2) above.
  10. All other transit requirements remain the same and are available at http://pancanal.com/common/maritime/forms/4352-2020.pdf
  11. On the day of transit, only the ACP transit advisor will board the small craft and disembark once his assignment has been completed. Only ACP personnel will be permitted to board or disembark the small craft.

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1610646682198{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Disclaimer: As local conditions and regulations can change by the hour, before making any firm plans please contact Americas.Ops@waterfront-ms.com to give you the latest updates for individual countries.[/vc_column_text][stm_post_comments css=”.vc_custom_1610646690833{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-right: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][stm_sidebar sidebar=”272″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_pageable][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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