PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT
October 6, 1999

Part 1 -- Approach from the Pacific ocean.

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The sun rises over the Pacific Ocean as ms Noordam sails into the Bay of Panama. More than 40 ships were at anchor, waiting their turn to enter the Panama Canal. Daylight transit preference is given to passenger ships and PANAMAX vessels, due their limited maneuverability. The average transit time is eight to ten hours.

At 6:15 am, the Pilot Boat comes alongside, carring three pilots and Panamanian authorities, who conduct a quick inspection to verify the ship is ready. During our transit, ms Noordam carried the call sign "21 North"

ms Noordam is cleared by Panamanian authorities and begins her canal transit at 7:30 am, October 6, 1999. As she sails up the marked channel, Panama City is visible on the right side of the ship. Further up the channel, we sail towards the Bridge of the Americas. The Balboa Yacht Club is to the right.

The Bridge of the Americas, a mile long, 400 foot high structure, was completed in 1962 - reuniting North and South America which the Panama canal had separated by water forty eight years earlier.

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