A preventive notice, directed mainly at the operators of artisanal vessels and pleasure yachts, was issued by the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), for the coasts or offshore of both coasts of the Republic of Panama, both for the Pacific and for the Caribbean.
The measure, which will be in force from this Thursday 06 to October 11, 2022, is supported by the bulletins issued by the Department of Hydrometeorology of the Electricity Transmission Company SA (ETESA), based on information from the National Oceanic Administration and Atmospheric (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA) of the United States of America (USA). The NOAA National Hurricane Center (NHC) has given Tropical Depression #13 a trajectory currently located in the southern Caribbean Sea, where it is expected to become a Tropical Storm in the coming days.
The AMP highlighted that as the system transits to the north of the Panamanian Caribbean coast, indirect effects can be generated on both maritime regions of the country, with an increase in wind speed and significant waves, generating the effect of choppy seas and rip currents. resacas, in the territorial sea of the Caribbean and the Pacific.
They urged to take into account the weather conditions before setting sail, if these are adverse it is advisable to prevent any unfortunate incident, not to sail until the weather improves, as well as to maintain security measures at all times, including the use of the vest life jackets for all crew members of the ship, without exception.
recommendations: If you decide to set sail, only use the authorized docks, where staff from the institution are verifying that the required security measures are met.
The crew and passengers are urged to verify that the ship has all the safety equipment required on board, among which are: life jacket, appropriate communication equipment, flare lights, outboard motor in good condition, Current type ABC portable fire extinguisher not less than four kilos, among others.
The use of the life jacket is mandatory for crew members and passengers, without exception. Likewise, the Marinas must consider prevention measures: It is important to emphasize that at the national level, the Marinas, boat owners and tourism companies, must inform the owners of the boats about the danger of setting sail under these conditions, in addition to redoubling the measures of security for the integrity of people, boats and other assets that may be affected by the weather conditions that are occurring.
Some safety recommendations during the stay in docks consist of: Double defenses in docks and maritime facilities, verify correct anchoring of ships.
Do not stay on board, if you notice that the sea conditions change, you should seek refuge in a structure on dry land far from the coast.
Boat mooring lines must be long to deal with high tides, double all mooring lines. The institution’s technical staff keeps track of and constantly monitors maritime conditions and ETESA’s Hydrometeorology reports, as well as indications from the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC).
AMP statement
