Panama Canal Authority
Vice Presidency for Operations
Advisory To Shipping No. A-25-2025
3654-A (OP-I)
V. 29/03/2023
August 15, 2025
TO: All Shipping Agents, Owners, and Operators
SUBJECT: Implementation of the Panama Canal’s New Risk-Based Vessel Inspection Model
The Panama Canal is pleased to announce the launch of a new risk-based vessel inspection model,
effective October 1, 2025.
This initiative reflects the Canal’s unwavering commitment to facilitate maritime traffic, while upholding
high safety standards, ensuring that vessels benefit from faster and more efficient Canal operations,
simplified compliance with international regulations, reduced operational costs, and sustainable
inspection practices. Additionally, it enhances transparency and traceability for audits, decreases
inspection-related delays, minimizes environmental impact, and allows crews more time for operational
readiness—creating a smoother, safer, and more profitable navigation experience.
All vessels entering Panama Canal jurisdictional waters will undergo a physical inspection conducted by a
canal admeasurer, as currently practiced. This inspection will be valid for one year. After this initial
inspection, vessels may qualify for digital inspections on subsequent visits to the Canal, provided the
following conditions are met:
• The vessel holds a valid inspection for the intended operation 1.
• All visit information requirements are submitted completely and on time.
• The Naval Inspection Checklist is fully and timely submitted, reflecting current vessel conditions.
• Vessel documentation is up to date in the system.
• The vessel's risk level evaluation indicates no high-risk factors.
Risk assessment will focus primarily on:
• Vessel type
• Vessel age
• Deficiency history
• Flag state
• Classification society
1 Validinspection for the intended operation
• Transit inspection: Complete vessel inspection valid for transit, docking and anchorage calls.
• Docking inspection: Partial vessel inspection valid for docking and anchorage calls.
• Anchorage inspection: Partial vessel inspection valid only for anchorage calls.
3654-A (OP-I)
V. 29/03/2023
OP, August 15, 2025
Subject: Implementation of the Panama Canal’s New Risk-Based Vessel Inspection Model
All required inspection information must be submitted via the Panama Maritime Single Window
(VUMPA), through the vessel’s shipping agency.
To support a smooth transition, training sessions for agents will be held from September 15-19, 2025.
Our Operation Services Office will be reaching out to coordinate participation. A familiarization period will
be in effect until December 31st, 2025. Starting January 1, 2026, it will become mandatory to comply with
the required documentation and information.
We kindly remind you that, regardless of whether the inspection will be conducted physically or digitally,
the pilot transfer arrangements must be fully prepared and operational upon arrival for inspection.
Accurate declaration and reporting of information will facilitate all vessel support services, including
provisioning, bunkering, crew change and any other port call operation and will reduce waiting times.
Additionally, it will significantly minimize the risk of disruption-related charges.
Please address any questions or concerns regarding the above information to:
[email protected].
ORIGINAL SIGNED
Boris Moreno Vásquez
Vice President for Operations
