About Us
Erick Galvez
Whatsapp: +507 6330-5233
Juan Fernando Arcila
Whatsapp: +507 6608-4070
Established in January 2005, Centenario Consulting Services is an accredited Ship Agency registered and certified by both the Panama Maritime Authority and the Panama Canal Authority. We serve the Atlantic and Pacific terminals as well as their surrounding areas, encompassing all national ports within the country. As part of the Air Sea Express Cargo S.A. group of companies and in collaboration with AQG Ship Brokers, Isthmian Steamship Co SA, General Port Services, we offer a comprehensive range of services and expertise to the maritime community. Our network of service providers further guarantees top-notch assistance for our esteemed clients.
Yacht Services
Yacht formalities refer to the administrative procedures and requirements that yacht owners and operators must adhere to when entering or operating within certain maritime jurisdictions. These formalities typically include Panama Port Authority check in and check out, immigration procedures, port entry documentation, payment of fees and taxes, compliance with safety regulations, and any other legal requirements specific to the jurisdiction. Yacht formalities ensure that vessels and their passengers comply with local laws and regulations while promoting safety, security, and efficient operations in ports and waterways.
The Panama Canal transit for yachts involves the process of navigating through the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, with the assistance of Canal authorities. Yachts must adhere to specific procedures and requirements to transit the canal, including obtaining proper documentation, scheduling transit dates, paying transit fees, and complying with safety regulations.
Typically, yacht owners or operators need to apply for a transit slot in advance, providing details such as vessel dimensions, draft, pictures and intended transit date. Once approved, the yacht is assigned a transit advisor who assists with navigating through the locks and channels of the canal safely.
During the transit, yachts are subject to the rules and regulations set forth by the Panama Canal Authority, including speed limits, safety protocols, and environmental guidelines. Additionally, yachts may be required to hire line handlers or use line-handling services, meals, fenders and lines provided by the agent for securing the vessel during transit.
Overall, Panama Canal transit for yachts involves careful planning, coordination, and adherence to regulations to ensure a smooth and successful passage through this vital waterway.
Reference
I used Erick of Centenario & co. S.A. yacht agent for the transiting the canal and the clearance procedures and I found him extremely helpful and efficient. Although I never met the chappie he always answered my questions and kept me informed of the situation so I was never caught by surprise with some unexpected situation. The line handlers were very polite and friendly and always in control. Yes it is a bit xxxxy but you get what you pay for and the peace of mind , not to mention the time you save. I have no hesitation recommending Erick, I reckon he is good value!
Hi Erick
We had a wonderful trip through the canal. A fabulous experience. Nick our line handler and Rick and Ricardo were great pilots. Gave very clear and good direction. I think it should be compulsory to have one professional line handler on every boat. Nick helped guide our handlers in how to be safe and what to do.
We are presently at Las Brisas. We are resting today and will be stocking up and getting water and fuel for the Pacific.
Thankyou.
Sandy and Phil
Southern Wing
Hi Erick,
We had a very successful canal transit yesterday.
Michele and I wanted to thank you for all of your good support in preparing for our crossing. In addition, Nicky was an excellent line handler and, together with Rigoberto our Advisor, provided a level of professional guidance that made a significant difference to a safe journey.
Feliz Carnival!
Philip and Michele
SV Sancere
5 March 2025
Enero 24 2025
Good morning
It has been four days since our canal trip.
We want to say thank you again.
Evertyhing was perfectly organized and
we were able to enjoy it.
Best regards
Martina and Peter
SY Bummler
Enero 24 2025
Question about anchoring at chagres river Erick:
You are amazing! Thank you for your well informed and wise counsel. That (“….boats moving during the night.”) would scare me to death, frankly.
Susan Crowe. SY FIN
Feb 2 2025
Thank you for your great service Erick
Peter Forbes. SY Supertramp
Feb 4 2025
January 15 2025
Hi Erick,
We just want to thank you and your team for making the canal transit such a memorable experience.
All the organisation and communication from your side took our anxiety away, and we could take it all in.
Having José onboard for the line handling was another great decision and made rafting, mooring, and line handling in the locks so much easier.
Have a great weekend,
Lena and Trevor
Zedna.
We transited on 15 April as arranged and I thought we should email you tell you we felt the transit and the arrangements were effortless and the staff, including the line handlers and the pilots ( we had a pilot and a pilot in training on board), were competent, friendly and a pleasure to have on board.
We plan on checking out of Panama on Friday or over the weekend and Jamie said you could assist with this. What do you need to do to assist us and is there any costs involved?
Many thanks for your assistance. We would happily recommend your service to another taking on the transit.
M/Y Seven Sins , 41-50 , Captain
Very efficient
We have been using Centenario Consulting during our two Panama canal crossings (Southbound and Northbound). The agent Erick Galvez was very efficient in organising all the paper work (Check in/out, crew turn over, cruising permit, shopping, Furuno technician, etc...) and our registration with the Panama Canal Authorities. Mr Galvez also organised our barge bunkering after our crossing from the Marquesas. Centenario Consulting is offering a very competitive price and I look forward to working with the team again
S/Y Tara Expéditions , 31-40 , Logistics Manager
Excellent service
I would like to thank you for playing the role of Tara’s agent. The boat is now on its way to NEw York City, trying to avoid the hurricane (Florence). We are happy with your service and will definitely contact you again when sailing to Panama.
PARTNERS
Panama Canal
December 23st, 2025
Dear Shipping Agents,
We kindly request that you keep the captains of the vessels you represent informed whenever their transit will be carried out in two stages, as per the established transit schedules. This will help ensure that the master is fully aware and prepared, avoiding any unexpected situations during the partial transit.
Sincerely,
Services, Information and Charges Unit
Integrated Operations Control Center Division
August 1st, 2025
We would like to remind all agents that vessels transiting the Panama Canal must not throw any objects at tourists, employees, equipment, or any individuals along the route.
This type of behavior is strictly prohibited and poses a serious safety risk.
We kindly request that this message be communicated clearly to the crew of all transiting vessels. They must be instructed to refrain from throwing any items from the vessel under any circumstances. Failure to comply may result in sanctions or delays in transit while investigations are conducted.
We appreciate your cooperation and attention to this important matter
The Panama Canal Authority reminds all shipping agencies of the critical importance of having clear, updated, and effective protocols for responding to medical emergencies onboard vessels operating in Canal waters, including those in transit and at anchorage.
Recent incidents have revealed delays and inadequacies in emergency responses, seriously compromising the safety and well-being of crew members and passengers. These situations highlight the need for rigorous planning and prompt execution.
Therefore, we emphasize the following:
Immediate medical coordination: Agencies must ensure the timely and effective management of medical services in the event of any urgent incident, including the availability and immediate dispatch of ambulances.
Active presence of the agency representative: The agency representative must be available and present on-site when support is required for the transfer of individuals, ensuring a swift and coordinated response.
Prevention on recreational vessels: For recreational vessels carrying passengers, it is strongly recommended to have paramedic personnel onboard, especially during Canal transits, as a key preventive measure.
Having well-defined protocols is not only an operational requirement, but also an ethical and legal responsibility. The safety of those onboard depends on the preparedness and responsiveness of all parties involved.
We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to safety in our waters.
Please be reminded of the mandatory requirement for all vessels transiting Panama Canal or while in the Panama Canal waters to display the Panamanian flag. This is clearly established in Section 33 of OP Notice to Shipping N-1-2025, and Article 34, Section Four, Chapter I of the Regulation on Navigation in Panama Canal Waters. Compliance is expected from all vessels, regardless of flag state or mission, including naval and government-operated support vessels. Non-compliance may result in delays in transit scheduling.
Canal Handliners March 1st, 2025
Each year, we encounter boat crew members who are injured due to their lack of experience when transiting through the Panama Canal locks and chambers. We strongly recommend hiring a local handliner with experience to ensure you have a smooth and memorable transit experience, rather than facing a traumatic situation, such as losing a finger or putting your life at risk.
Long-term foreign residents at the marina may recommend backpackers or inexperienced handliners, but this is problematic. They are violating local laws by introducing foreigners without the proper work permits, which creates tension with the local handliners. This, in turn, can lead to reports and even raids at the marina, as has happened in the past.
Panama Canal Formal Investigation March 1st, 2025
The canal authorities will initiate a formal investigation. The Canal Port Captain will need to visit you, after which you will be asked to sign a request for an audience. During this meeting, the canal advisor, senior canal port captain, canal worker from the wall, cartographic personnel, the canal legal team, as well as the captain and any involved parties, will attend the canal board of hearing the day after their visit. While I’m not entirely sure about the specifics of the situation, based on my experience, I can tell you that any damage to the boat or injury to personnel will not be covered by the canal authorities.
You will not be permitted to leave the marina or canal waters until after the formal hearing. A final report will be issued two months later. The investigation will primarily focus on the release form I previously sent to you, which releases the canal from liability for any damage to yachts due to the current or any injuries, as they do not have anyone acting as handliners.
If the fault lies with the advisor or the canal crew on the wall, you will need to provide proof of this. Otherwise, it will be a waste of time. Additionally, last year, they held a meeting where they announced they would be charging fees for formal investigations, as the canal must allocate resources for the hearing, which often ends with the canal taking no responsibility.
If you wish to proceed, please send me an email detailing the incident so I can formally request the Canal Port Captain to initiate the investigation.
AIS is necessary.
Canal authorities and us need to see you to take screen shot and send to them for an arrival record.
At a certain point Ais will be mandatory if they continue not to see you.
Sailors are cheating requesting transit without been physically in canal waters.
This may create an additional fee to be
apply a charge of $350.00 per transit for Ais rental as per marine tariff but not currently applicable to yachts
Colonel Goethals became the first Governor of the Panama Canal, confirmed unanimously by the Senate. Plans were made for a grand celebration to properly mark the official opening of the Panama Canal on August 15, 1914. The Panama Canal marks 110 years since its opening.
On the other hand, Old Panama turns 505 years old, after the attack of the pirate Morgan, the colonial authorities of the time decided not to rebuild the city, but to move part of the structure to what is known today as the Old Town. This occurred in 1673.
Panama Update
December 23st, 2025
Important Notice to Yacht Owners and Captains
We strongly advise against using Panama Canal Hanliner Exchange as your handling service. Instead, consider the following options:
1. Family members or friends flying in to assist.
2. Paid handlers from a reputable local agent.
Reasons to avoid Panama Canal Hanliner Exchange:
1. No Port Authority Auxiliary Service License: They are not authorized to provide handling services.
2. No Legal Immigration Status: They do not have the necessary permits to work in Panama.
3. Canal Transit Delays: If detected by Canal advisors, your transit will be stopped, and you will need to hire local handlers, resulting in additional transit delay charges.
4. No Permits: The group organizing this service lacks the necessary permits to perform this activity.
5. Past Issues: Previous incidents have led to reports to Immigration Services and Panama Port Authority, resulting in raids and fines affecting other sailors.
6. Interference with Local Labor: Using foreign handlers undermines local Panamanian labor and limits the work of authorized agents.
We appreciate your understanding in this matter to ensure a safe and smooth transit of your yacht.
Best regards,
Erick Galvez
September 12, 2025
Here is an action of Central Government before there was no charge from Health Sanitary department they did not had funds to run current system and now they have instructed post control in Pacific and Atlantic side to charge $100 Sanitation fee to yachts
It’s applicable to everyone
as of this week .
We are now facing a debt of thousand of dollars to the government for retroactive years 2024 and we will back it up to avoid been suspended from our activity.
In my Invoice we have the fee listed but since we never heard from them until now we will proceed and collect the fee
They don’t have to go onboard but through our declaration on the canal system EDCS electronic data collection system they will now and usual procedure is to approve the Sanitary declaration electronically.
For your info Bocas del Toro road blockage and strikes are back to normal as of Tuesday July 4th 2025
they agree with the government to stop and cleaning the road way.
Meanwhile, Teachers on strike in diferents points of the country are 90% back to work.
Therefore San Blas authorities are back to work as well.
Attention Sailors:
Please be advised that Panama is currently experiencing a difficult situation, particularly in the province of Bocas del Toro. Ongoing riots have led to widespread vandalism, road blockages, and food shortages. Additionally, the Chiquita brand has ceased operations in the area, leaving thousands of workers unemployed—largely as a result of changes to the Panama Social Security law enacted in February.
Teachers and other unions are also on strike across the country, with no resolution in sight. The unrest is expected to continue.
Bocas del Toro has now been declared a state of emergency. Under this declaration, authorities are permitted to detain individuals without a judge’s order, in accordance with the national constitution.
While others may downplay the situation to preserve tourism, our priority is your safety. We believe in transparency and want our customers to stay informed.
Please also note: in the San Blas region, there are no official check-in or check-out authorities in support of the indigenous community’s autonomy, especially in relation to the crisis in Bocas del Toro.
Stay safe!
San Blas update:
For the moment to avoid stopping in San Blas to make check in or check out.
There are no authorities and the Guna Yala Congress are saying they are breaking relationships with the central government.
San Blas is an Indian Reservation Area.
They dont represent the general population as Panamanian and are affecting the country with other roads blocked to Bocas del Toro.
Another Indian reservation area in Bocas has vandalized the Port Authority office in Almirante, Bocas del Toro, Atlantic side, although
Isla Colon is accros where it is most visited by sailors and they have another office in the Island.
I would say to avoid visiting San Blas until the situation is back to normal and avoid mainland travel in Bocas del Toro.
To all Sailors be careful of scam stamp in your passport in Porvenir Congreso Guna is not authorize to stamp your passport it is illegal. They will not tell you if you don’t ask where is the immigration office to stamp in.
The Stamp must read Migracion Porvenir make sure you get the correct stamp view it is a penalty of $1000 per person on board for evading control post as per immigration legal law.
Explanation of Pilot Delay Charge (Pacific to Atlantic Transit):
We recommend maintaining or improving your speed, of a minimum of 5 knots and up to 8 knots, to ensure you reach the last lock on time and complete a one-day transit.
Please be aware that if your vessel is scheduled for a full transit but fails to meet the timing, a penalty of $1,029.00 will apply. However, if your schedule is limited to transit up to the lake, no penalty will be incurred. Note that the canal authorities have the final say on whether your transit will be completed in one or two days, depending on traffic flow and available resources.
Back to normal canal Transit
a. Virtual Inspection Approval
b. Arrival to Canal waters to record arrival time and then be able to request a transit date.
c. Transit schedule request
During low season a two day transit
high season both two day transit and one day early morning start all the way
Schedule cannot be chosen is up to canal scheduler daily resources and canal advisor disponibility