AUTORIDAD DEL CANAL DE PANAMÁ EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENCY FOR OPERATIONS 3654-A (OPXI) V. 4-2-2015 ADVISORIES ARE AVAILABLE AT http://www.pancanal.com FOR ETAS OR DIRECT COMMUNICATION WITH OUR OFFICES, REFER TO NOTICE N-3-2016 ADVISORY TO SHIPPING No. A-36-2016 June 21, 2016 TO : All Shipping Agents, Owners, and Operators SUBJECT: Modification to Minimum Visibility Requirements The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) hereby announces modifications to the minimum visibility requirements established in Notice to Shipping N-1-2016. All transiting vessels or vessels calling at port facilities in Canal waters, whether laden or ballast, shall comply with the following visibility requirements: • The view of the water surface from any conning position in the navigation bridge shall not be obscured by more than two (2) ship lengths forward of the bow, or 500 meters, whichever is less, under all conditions of draft and trim. • If the visibility from any of the normal conning positions is obscured by cargo gear or other permanent obstructions forward of the beam, the total arc of obstructed visibility from Conning Position 1 shall not exceed 10 degrees. • The side hull plating at the vessel's waterline, fore and aft, shall be visible from bridge wing conning positions. • Vessels of 150 feet LOA or less must have a forward visibility that allows navigation ranges and aids to navigation to be visible from all bridge conning positions. ACP boarding officers will verify vessel compliance with the abovementioned requirements upon arrival at Canal waters. Vessels that do not to comply with these visibility requirements due to cargo, cargo gear, structures, or any other reason, shall correct the deficiency in order to transit. If the deficiency cannot be corrected, the vessel shall inform the ACP at least 48 hours prior to arrival in order to take the necessary actions and minimize the possibility of transit delays. This notification shall be made through the ACP’s Maritime Service Portal or any other means acceptable by the ACP. If information regarding deficiencies is not received prior to arrival, the vessel will be considered in compliance; however, if deficiencies are detected upon arrival, the vessel may experience transiting or docking delays, and may also be subject to additional charges. The ACP will determine the conditions under which non-compliant vessels may be allowed to transit or dock. Vessels that require additional resources due to their visibility condition, will be assessed the corresponding charges. 3654-A (OPXI) V. 4-2-2015 June 21, 2016 Subject: Modification to Minimum Visibility Requirements Notwithstanding the visibility requirements established herein, effective June 26, 2016, full container vessels transiting in laden condition with a blind distance that exceeds 1.0 ship length will be assessed the following fees based on vessel dimensions, in accordance with official ACP tariffs Item Number 1065.0001 or 1065.0002: • Vessels from 213.360 meters (700 feet) to 294.437 meters (966 feet) in length, and 30.480 meters (100 feet) to 32.613 meters (107 feet) in beam: ---------------$4,000.00 • Vessels with overall lengths greater than 294.437 meters (966 feet), or with beams greater than 32.613 meters (107 feet): -----------------------------------------------$8,000.00 Upon arrival at Canal waters, the “Blind Distance Declaration,” Form 1746 (OPTC-A), available at www.pancanal.com/common/maritime/forms/1746.pdf , shall be completed by the maste