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NAVOPLAN

Port Intelligence Brief

Balboa, Panama

59 Verified Intelligence Items

51Verified
Intelligence

37Official
Sources

88%Overall
Confidence

📍

CoordinatesN 8 56' 60.0000"
W 79 34' .0012"

⚓

Harbor ProfileGulf of Panama; North Pacific Ocean
Size: Medium

🛂

EntranceTidal Range: 16.40 ft
Depth: 41.00 ft

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Port StatusPort of Entry: Yes
Shelter: Good

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Last UpdateJun 28, 2026
09:30 ET

🧭 Approach & Entrance 6 items

🛟 Shelter & Refuge 6 items

⚠ Local Cautions 6 items

🛒 Crew Rest & Resupply 7 items

☎ Harbor / Authority 5 items 🔒

📡 Contacts & VHF 6 items 🔒

🛥 Marinas 3 items 🔒

⛽ Fuel & Utilities 5 items 🔒

🛂 Clearance & Formalities 8 items 🔒

🚑 Medical & Emergency 7 items 🔒

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Current Briefing

Approach & Entrance

Balboa approach intelligence includes pilotage, entrance channel depths, harbor communications, traffic density, anchoring restrictions, and operational cautions for arrival planning.

1 - 1

Verified Intelligence

Primary Official Sources For Operational Updates

Official Source · Verified Jun 28, 2026

Latest operational changes (pilotage, anchorage, channel restrictions) are published by the Panama Canal Authority via 'Notices to Shipping' and 'Advisory to Shipping' (ACP Maritime Services web pages) and must be checked prior to approach.

96% Confidence

Pilotage Requirement And Contact

Official Source · Verified Jun 28, 2026

Pilotage compulsory for vessels transiting or berthing at Balboa; pilots to be used if available. Request/coordination via Integrated Operations Control Center (ACP). Non-licensed masters are not exempt. (OP Notice N-2-2026).

95% Confidence

Reporting & Vhf Communications For Pacific Approach

Official Source · Verified Jun 28, 2026

When 8 NM from the Pacific Sea Buoy, notify Flamenco Signal Station on VHF Channel 12; Flamenco will contact vessels again at 2 NM for traffic check. Maintain continuous watch on VHF channels 12 and 16 while manoeuvring in Canal waters.

95% Confidence

Anchorage And Dangerous-Cargo Restrictions

Official Source · Verified Jun 28, 2026

Vessels assigned a dangerous-cargo Precautionary Designator (PD 1–5) are normally required to anchor in the Pacific Explosives Anchorage; bunkering and certain cargo operations require pilotage and defined anchorage areas per ACP procedures.

92% Confidence

Entrance Character And Minimum Charted Depth (Approach)

Official Source · Verified Jun 28, 2026

The Panama Canal is the only access into the Port of Balboa; the approach/channel minimum depth is reported in sailing directions as approximately 11.9 m (charted minimum in approach channel — consult current charts/ENCs for exact depths and latest surveys).

90% Confidence

Tidal And Coastal Currents In The Entrance

Official Source · Verified Jun 28, 2026

Currents in the Pacific entrance are primarily tidal; sailing directions report tidal/set across the channel with tidal currents reported up to about 2 knots in places; broader coastal current outside the Bay of Panama is commonly modelled ~0.3 kt (counter‑clockwise circulation) — consult local tide/current predictions.

85% Confidence