Balboa (PABLB)

The majority of the port's working cargo quays are located on the East side of the Panama Canal Approach Channel (Pacific side) and are equipped to handle containers, Ro-Ro, dry and liquid bulk and general cargo. There are additional container facilities and tanker piers located in the Sub-Port of Rodman Port (formerly known as Rodman Naval Base) on the West side of the same channel. The majority of cargo passing through the port area of Balboa is for transhipment purposes (95%), with approximately 5% for import and export. There are extensive repair facilities and bunkering and towage services within the main port area.

Tropical.

The port of Balboa is located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal.

LOA 368.99m, beam 53.5m, draught 14.4m, 204,748DWT. Vessels having an arrival draught exceeding 11.7m are not handled from 2 hours 30 minutes before LW until 2 hours after LW. The maximum allowable height for any vessel entering the port of Balboa (or entering the Panama Canal) at any state of tide is 57.91m. measured from the waterline to its highest point.

Approx 23,000,000t of cargo and 4,000,000 TEU handled annually.

Vessels must anchor at the various locations listed for the port. The NW edge of the Pacific Anchorage area starts at Lightbuoy No 1 (08°53.37'N 079°31.21'W), 1nm S of Flamenco Island and follows an NE direction up to a point approx 0.22nm beyond Roca San Jose (08°54.38'N 079°30.60'W). The anchorage area is extensive. Beyond the Pacific Anchorage area lies the Pacific Expansion Anchorage, approx 4nm SSE relative to Isla Flemenco (Island) Light (08°55'N 079°31'W). Anchorage Area for vessels carrying Hazardous Cargo: This area is defined by the following co-ordinates: ..... 08°52.70'N 079°31.45'W Yellow Marker (Fl(1).Y.2s) 08°51.75'N 079°29.83'W Red and White Safe Water Buoy (Mo(A).W.10s) 08°51.75'N 079°32.72'W Adjacent to Spoil Ground 08°52.53'N 079°32.34'W Yellow Marker (Fl(1).Y.2s). Adjacent to Spoil Ground then back to: 08°52.70'N 079°31.45'W Yellow Marker (Fl(1).Y.2s) MEC Panama - Various safe and deep draught anchorage locations, where top side repairs are performed.

The port is approached through the Gulf of Panama, and entered through a dredged channel. Panama Canal is entered at Nos 1 and 2 Lightbuoys, approx 1nm S of Flamenco Island (08°55'N 079°31'W); a dredged channel leads approx 4.5nm NE to the port of Balboa. Dimensions of entrance channel: Dredging has increased the 14km Pacific Entrance Channel to a minimum width of 225m and depth of 15.5m MLWS. Canal Entrance Leading Lights: Front light (concrete tower 8m in height) (4.5nm NW of Flamenco Island). Rear light (concrete tower, 30m in height) (2nm NW of the front light). These lights are visible only on the leading line; their alignment (322°) leads up the Panama Canal channel to the entrance to Balboa. The approach channel to Balboa Pier 1 and Pier 2 is 12.6m (MLWS) with a safe working draught of 11.9m for Pier 1 and 11.99m for Pier 2. A minimum under keel clearance of five 5 feet (1.52 meters) is required when Panamax Plus and Neopanamax vessels proceed between the Pacific Anchorage and Balboa Dock Nos. 16 or 17.

BA 8007, CP5. Admiralty Pilot NP7. NP286(7). US 21603, 21601, 21605. US Sailing Directions 153 (West Coasts of Mexico and Central America).

1018.

Vessel movements at Quay No. 07 may be affected by traffic in and out of Drydock No 1. PATSA (Rodman) Quay 1 has five fenders each side, Quay 2 has 8 fenders each side. Quay 06: Mooring lines should be monitored at all times and lines kept tight, especially during the ebb tide when the lines may go slack. Maintaining mooring lines tight will help prevent a surge of the vessel when ship traffic moving in the Canal channel passes close to Quay No. 06. Vessels over LOA 213.4m are not allowed to berth at Quay No 6. Vessels that are more than this and have a beam of 30.5m or more, will require prior approval from the Transit Operations Division. Vehicle Carriers and vessel equipped with stern ramps, require prior approval from Transit Operations Division to berth at Quay No 6 in Balboa. Quay 07: The routine docking of a second vessel, abeam of a vessel already docked at the opposite pier, may be accomplished with the following restrictions: ..... (1) For movements occurring during daylight hours, the combined beam of both vessels does not exceed 45.7m, and (2) Movements of vessels with a combined beam exceeding 33.5m, are to be approved on a case-by- case basis by the Canal Port Captain on duty. (3) Movements occurring during darkness will be approved on a case-by-case basis; however, in these instances, the combined beam of both vessels will not exceed 33.5m. (4) An omni-directional tug will be used when available. (5) Dry dock entries and exits will be accomplished only during daylight hours. (6) No movement in and out of Dry Dock No 1 will be authorised if there are vessels berthed at Quay 07. A large vessel mooring alongside a smaller vessel that is being used as a fender at any dock is not considered by ACP to be a safe procedure in waters under Canal control. Should the mooring require an ACP pilot, both vessels will be requested to sign ACP Form 4323 “Undertaking to Release and Indemnify” before proceeding.

The Panama Canal Authority and Marine Bureau provide pilotage for the port of Balboa. Pilotage is compulsory. For entry into Balboa (or commencing transit of the Panama Canal from the Pacific side) Pilot boards near the Sea Buoy (approximate position 08°51.45'N 079°29.60'W). A vessel proposing to enter the canal or to proceed to Balboa and awaiting boarding is required to anchor in the Merchant Ship Anchorage (seaward to Light buoys No 1 and No 2) except in emergency. A vessel is normally boarded by a boarding officer of the Panama Canal Authority in the Merchant Ship Anchorage on arrival, unless, in the case of arrival after 1800hrs, prior notice has been given that boarding on arrival is not desired. (If continuing up to the Canal, the boarding officer acts as admeasurer for determining canal tolls and inspects for compliance with quarantine, Immigration and Customs laws and regulations). A vessel due to make its maiden passage and arriving after 2000hrs will normally be admeasured on the following day. When embarking a pilot or boarding officer in the Merchant Ship Anchorage, a vessel may be required to make a lee.

Major light: Flamenco Island Light (white square concrete pedestal Racon (08° 55'N 079°31'W). Isla Bona Light; 08°34.2'N 079°35.4'W Penon Limoncille Light; 08°44.6'N 079°34.6'W Isla Taboguilla Light; 08°48.2'N 079°30.5'W Isla Chepillo Light; 08°57.0'N 079°07.7'W Panama Canal entrance No 1A, Middle Leading Light; 08°57.6'N 079°34.7'W Panama Canal entrance No 2, Middle Leading Light; 08°58.4'N 079°35.4'W

Maximum Allowable Height: Vertical clearance of Thatcher Ferry Bridge (Bridge of the America's), 4nm NW of canal entrance, and 0.5nm S of the port area of Balboa, is 57.91m at MHW. With prior permission, on rare occasions, this may increase to 62.5m for some vessels passing Balboa at MLWS. Post Panamax Vessels: Following the opening of new locks, the Panama Canal is now able to handle vessels of LOA 366m, Beam 49m and Draught of 15.2m. This traffic uses the main channel between the West and East side of Balboa Port, when continuing up to the Panama Canal.

Mean spring range 5.0m; mean neap range 2.7m. There are strong tidal streams at the entrance of the channel leading up to Balboa.

The approach channel to the Panama Canal is the only access into the port of Balboa so any movement in or out of the port is governed by the same rules and regulations used for the Canal. (For additional information see also Panama Canal section). The port should be contacted at least 96 hours before arrival. ..... PACIFIC SIDE: Traffic Separation Zones are in operation in the Gulf of Panama, intended to reduce the risk of collisions between vessels and whales in the Gulf of Panama. A speed limit of 10kts is imposed for all vessels North of 08° between 1 August and 30 November each year. The TSS is formed by three parts - The areas off Isla Jicaarita, Punta Morro de Puercos and, nearer the Canal entrance, Gulf of Panama. Gulf of Panama Traffic Separation Zones: a. 8°44'42''N, 79°27'00'W. b. 8°35'00''N, 79°26'00'W. c. 7°45'00''N, 79°26'00''W. d. 7°45'00''N, 79°23'00'W. e. 8°35'00''N, 79°23'00'W. f. 8°45'25''N, 79°25'26'W. The Traffic Lane for vessels heading SOUTH is bounded by the following area: a. 8°44'00''N, 79°28'00'W. b. 8°35'00''N, 79°28'12'W. c. 7°45'00''N, 79°28'12'W. The Traffic Lane for vessels heading NORTH, which is East of the Separation Zone, is bounded by the following positions: a. 8°46'00''N, 79°24'37'W. b. 8°35'00''N, 79°21'00'W. c. 7°45'00''N, 79°21'00'W. Additional to the above two Traffic Lanes, there are also two inshore traffic zones which connect to Isla Jicarita and the coastline at other points East.

Available.

Prevailing winds: N'ly trades.

BALBOA 8°56.89'N 79°34.12'W UNCTAD LOCODE: PA BLB For details see: PANAMA CANAL PILOT REQUIREMENTS ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

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..... Port: VHF: Ch 12 at Flamenco Island (08°55'N 079°31'W). Agent: VHF: Ch 16, 10. Port Authority: Tel: +507 2075100 Fax: +507 2325583 Email: bib-marineserv@ppc.com.pa Website: http://www.ppc.com.pa Pilot: VHF: Ch 16, 12, 13. Tel: +507 2284015, +507 3141026. Fax: +507 2284125. Email: info@panamacanalpilots.com Website: http://www.panamacanalpilots.com PATSA: Tel: +507 3164000 (Manager) +507 2112744 (Superintendent).

The Panama Canal Authority ("PCA") require all vessels visiting the Canal area (including Balboa) to complete PCA forms. These can be found in electronic format on http://www.pancanal.com/eng/op/forms.html. The Authority operate an electronic Customer Services Management System (CSMS) to ensure quick and efficient communication with vessels and agents. Details can be found on http://www.pancanal.com/eng/op/csms/index.html. It is advisable to look at the Canal Authority website for the latest information concerning documents which may have to be completed for visiting the port of Balboa. In particular, PCA Form 4376 must be completed for Balboa (Ship Due Form). The PCA require all container vessels visiting the Canal area (including Balboa) to complete a declaration of cargo to enable the PCA to carry out precise analysis of cargo movements at port terminals and along the different trade routes, as well as providing a means to gauge the value of service offered to customers. This information determines the tolls basis for this type of vessel as per the current tariff criteria, and must be declared using the BAPLIE file (Bayplan/stowage plan occupied and empty locations message) via the Panama Canal Maritime Service Portal. In addition, to expedite and facilitate the boarding process, container vessels being cleared for transit will be authorized to provide Form 4510 (Container Summary for all Vessels Form), signed by the Master. The cargo shall be divided based on number of 20 feet equivalent units (TEU), 40 feet equivalent units (FEU), loaded, empties and reefer above or below deck. This information should also indicate number of units and tons of cargo. Submission of the above is required for each transit. Forms for Exceptional Circumstances: In some instances, arriving vessels are required to complete PCA forms before berthing at Balboa or when bunkering is not normally permitted. Vessels arriving with a draught in excess of current recommended depths and draughts for berths in Balboa, or which expect to load to a draught in excess of depths and draughts recommended, are required to complete and sign Form 4323 (Undertaking to Release and Indemnify) prior to docking. Form 3821 (Mooring of a bunker vessel under compulsory pilotage by the Panama Canal Authority, alongside a docked Vessel) may also have to be completed. ..... The following documentation is required: 1. Crew List 2. Passenger List 3 Stowaways List 4. Tobacco/Spirits/Personal Effects List 5. Stores List 6. Arms and Ammunition List 7. Health Documents or Certificate 8. Ship Sanitation Control Certificate (SSCC) 9. Load Line Certificate 10. Tonnage Certificate 11. Nationality Certificate 12. Safety Equipment Certificate 13. Cargo Gear Certificate 14. Bills of Lading 15. Manifests (freighted) 16. Manifests (unfreighted).

See 'Panama Canal' port for canal transit and electronic pre arrival requirements.

Vessels in excess of 300GT or over LOA 20m must be equipped with an AIS transponder. Portable transponders are available for hire.

Radio pratique is available and should be requested in the report that should be sent 48 hours before arrival.