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-31-2016 June 1, 2016 TO : All Shipping Agents, Owners, and Operators SUBJECT: 2016 Safe Boarding Week The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) considers proper boarding facilities to be an absolute necessity to ensure the safety of their personnel, as well as others using these facilities while in Canal waters. In order to promote awareness and compliance with Canal requirements by vessels in Canal waters, the ACP will hold its annual “Safe Boarding Week” from July 4-8, 2016. During this period, the ACP will emphasize and encourage safe boarding practices on all vessels arriving at the waterway. “Safe Boarding Week” activities will involve inspections of boarding facilities on behalf of personnel who normally board vessels, such as Canal Port Captains, Pilots, Transit Vessel Inspectors, Chemists, Emergency Response personnel, Admeasurers, Deckhands, as well as ship’s agents. With the opening of the Cocoli and Agua Clara locks of the expanded Canal, the ACP will continue promoting preventive measures, such as avoiding the tripping hazard created by the retrieving line attached to the pilot ladder, as well as the excess portion of the pilot ladders, which is very often laid out on deck. The ACP suggests a box-like structure be placed over the excess portion of the ladder that may be encountered at the embarkation point on deck, which will provide for a flat, non-slippery surface as persons transfer from the ladder to the deck of the vessel. This structure may be permanent or may be constructed so that it is lightweight and portable, allowing for it to be used as the situation warrants. Vessels at both Cristobal and Balboa anchorages will be boarded to inspect their boarding facility arrangements utilizing the enclosed inspection checklist. Vessel masters will be provided with the results of the inspection and those vessels deserving special recognition for excellence will be presented with plaques following the inspection. Vessels with boarding facilities determined to be below acceptable standards must correct the deficiencies prior to transit. This document is cancelled automatically for record purposes on July 31, 2016. ORIGINAL SIGNED Esteban G. Sáenz Executive Vice President for Operations