Panama

Panama Canal - Automated Data Collection System (ADCS)

With effect from 17 May 2004 vessels intending to call at the Panama Canal will be required to submit information in electronic format 96 hours prior to arrival. 

The following information will be required:

• Ship Due
• Cargo Declaration 
• Passenger List
• Crew List

Vessel information must be submitted using one the ACP's Electronic Data Collection System (EDCS). Details will then be verified by ACP boarding officers and protection officers using mobile technology. 

In order to access EDCS, owners and operators will need to complete the EDCS registration process. 

On 17 May 2004 the system goes live and all required forms must be submitted 96 hours in advance via EDCS.(There are transitional provisions relating to the cargo declaration for containerised cargo and the passenger list for cruise ships but with effect from 1 July 2004 even this information must be submitted electronically.)

An "E-Learning" programme on the use of EDCS is available to all registered EDCS users and will available to download from 1 May 2004 at www.pancanal.com. 

Details of ADCS are found in the ACP's Advisory To Shipping No. A-15 -2004, which includes sample forms and "Frequently Asked Questions" (which the ACP say will be updated regularly). This advisory should be read in conjunction with the earlier Advisory To Shipping No. A-07-2004in which the ACP first announced the new requirements. 

The provisions have been introduced to assist the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) in complying with the new security regime specified in SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code which come into force on 1 July 2004.

*This article has been revised following the publication of the ACP's Advisory To Shipping No. A-15 -2004