Transit Draft

The maximum permissible draft for Canal transits has been set at 39 feet 06 inches (12.04 meters) Tropical Fresh Water (TFW) at a Gatun Lake level of 81 feet 06 inches (24.84 meters) or higher.

Gatun Lake density is 0.9954 gms/cc at 85ºF (29.4ºC).

Transition to fresh water frequently alters the trim of large vessels 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 centimeters) by the head.

For vessels to be considered eligible to transit at the maximum permissible draft, the following bilge keel information must be submitted:

  1. "A" - Half breadth of vessel to outside of shell
  2. "R" - Radius of turn of bilge (feet & inches)
  3. "DR" - Dead rise at side of vessel (inches)


Operators are encouraged to ascertain from owners a vessel's draft status when arranging a fixture.

PANAMA'S NATIONAL HOLIDAYS

New Year January 1
Martyr Day (Memorial Day) January 9
Carnival February 7-8, 2005
Good Friday March 25, 2005
Labour Day May 1
Panama's Separation from Colombia November 3 & 5
First Independence Proclamation in La Villa de los Santos November 10
Independence from Spain November 28
Mother's Day December 8
Christmas December 25