Pilotage service at the Panama Canal is provided exclusively by the ACP. Its cost is normally included in the tolls paid unless additional resources are required by vessels’ deficiencies or other extra moves not linked directly to the transit. This ACP Pilot takes control of the vessel as opposed to most terminals where the Pilot acts as an advisor.
Any vessel that requires the assignment of more pilots than the number that would normally be required by a vessel of her size, isassessed additional pilotage fees in accordance to established tariffs.
Some deficiencies or conditions that could require additional pilots are:
- Restricted visibility (excluding full-container vessels)
- Inadequate sanitary facilities
- Inability to relay
- Clear channel restrictions due to cargo or ship design
- Inability to develop and maintain the minimum full ahead speed required to complete the transit in standard times.