Panama Canal's JIT Transit Service Modified

 

The arrival time for vessels that have been awarded a JIT (Just-in-Time) Transit Service at Panama Canal will be determined based on the conditions listed below, and not the time the vessel arrives at the sea buoy at either terminal of the Canal.

In this regard, for booking purposes, vessels will be deemed to have "arrived" at either Canal terminal when radio contact has been established between the vessel and the respective Panama Canal Signal Station, and:
* the vessel has been visually sighted by the signal station;
or
* the vessel has been identified on ACP radars by location, speed and course at a distance of nore more than eight nautical miles (13.6 kilometers) from the sea buoy.
 

At the time the vessel is sighted, specific instructions will be provided by the ACP Signal Station regarding the vessel's arrival at the sea buoy and breakwater time (if southbound), based on the pilor boarding time.

It is imperative that vessels comply with the instructions provided by the ACP Signal Station in order to maintain their reservation and avoid transit delats or application of additional fees due to late arrival.

Source: Panama Canal Authority Advisory to Shipping No.A-21-2104 dated 5 September 2014