PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Almirante
Pilot
updated Mar 2023Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels entering Canal de Bocas del Toro. Pilots are stationed at Bocas de Toro and will board 1.3m NNW of Cabo Toro. When 30m off, pilotage should be requested on VHF channel 16, whilst the pilot boat can be contacted through VHF channel 14.
Key data
updated Mar 2023Size limits
Max LOA 211.85m, 35,465DWT, beam 30.7m and draught 10.7m.
Water density
1022.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
Range 0.3m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Almirante | 10.70 m | 212 m | 2 |
| Ferry Palanga | 1.80 m | 51 m | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Mar 2023Approach
Directions for the approach to Almirante: After clearing the SE end of Bajo Garcia (09°19.5'N 082°13.7'W), the route turns W and passes 0.75nm N of Punta Juan. Then the line of bearing 207° of Middle Channel Hill (09°14.2'N 082°20.2'W) and the summit of Isla Pastores, passes SE of the bank extending ESE from Punta Pondsock.
When the S extremity of Cayos Sister bears 297°, a vessel can proceed W into Ensenada Ambrosio, passing not less than 0.25nm S of the quays, until the SE extremity of Cayo Gerchow (09°16.5'N 082°22.6'W) bears 027° when the quay at Almirante can be approached.
Approach from Boca del Drago: The route from this channel continues SE across Bahia de Almirante to a position 0.75nm off Punta Juan, then as already directed.
Anchorages
Within the Bay of Almirante there are good locations with depths up to 27m. Anchorage may also be obtained close to the container berths, in depths of 15 to 18m.
Restrictions
Caution: A shoal depth of 7.8m is situated close S of the E end of the quay.
Charts and publications
BA 1799. Admiralty Pilot NP7A.
Reporting before arrival
updated Mar 2023Communications
VHF: Ch 15, 16, 17.
Telephone: 507-501-5106 and 507-501-5227.
Facsimile: 507-501-5405
E-mail: [email protected]
Inspections
Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU.
Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority:
1. For Ports and Ship Registry:
Contact person: Chief of Port Security Department
Address: Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), Diablo Heights, Building 5534, PO Box 8062, Panama 7, Republic of Panama.
Tel: +507 232 7352
Mobile: +507 660 61057.
Website: www.amp.gob.pa
2. For the Panama Canal:
Contact person: Manager - Canal Security Division.
Address: Panama Canal Authority (ACP), Balboa - Ancon, Republic of Panama, PO Box 5413, Miami FL 33102-5413
Tel: +507 272 4646, Cell: +507 614 1941.
Recognised Security Organisations:
RSO - ISSC Issue: Phoenix Management Service Group, Universe Security Group (London), Singapore Technologies.
RSO - Security Consultant Services: MUSC, Secure Maritime Group (St Petersburg, Florida).
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI)
Panama has signed a PSI ship boarding agreement with the USA aimed at stemming the flow of weapons of mass destruction. If a US or Panama flagged vessel is suspected of trafficking proliferation related cargo, either party to this agreement can request authorisation to board, search and possibly detain the others vessel and its cargo.
Port services
updated Jul 2024Repairs
Available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Medical
Nearest hospital: Hospital de Almirante (0.85km)
Transport
Nearest airport: Changuinola, 26km.
Nearest highway: The port has direct access to Highway 11. As a result, this connects the port to major cities throughout the country including David in the S, Santiago, Penonome and Panama City in the E, Changuinola to the N and finally Paso Canoa and the country of Costa Rica to the W.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
Bocas Fruit Company offices within the port: 0830-1530 and then through to 2300hrs.
About Almirante
updated Apr 2023Where it is
Almirante, municipality of Changuinola, province of Bocas del Toro, is located on the Atlantic coast of Panama in the Almirante Bay
The port
The Bocas Fruit Company operates two berths for the loading of bananas. There is also a small ferry terminal with passenger and RoRo facilities.
Traffic
Approx 140,000t of cargo, 145,000TEU, 360 passengers and 47,000 vessels handled annually.
Questions about Almirante
What are the pilot arrangements at Almirante?
Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels entering Canal de Bocas del Toro.
What time zone is Almirante in?
Local time at Almirante is UTC−5. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Almirante?
The deepest berth listed is at Almirante: 10.70 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Almirante?
1022.
Which load line zone is Almirante in?
Tropical.
Who carries out Port State Control at Almirante?
Port State Control at Almirante: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Almirante?
The UN/LOCODE of Almirante is PAPAM.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Almirante say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.