A bilingual briefing sheet for the captain or crew to read out before every trip from a Panama dock, with a line to record that it was given. Use it at the dock, before the lines come off. Have the passenger list and the boat's certified capacity in hand.
Fill in the fields below, then print the worksheet or download your entries as a text file. Entries stay on this page until you leave unless you download them. Don’t enter passport, card or medical details; keep copies of those separately.
How to use it
Laminate a copy for the helm and print a fresh sheet for each trip. The captain or a crew member reads each line in English and Spanish with every guest on deck, pointing at the gear. Then fill in the last two lines and file the sheet with the passenger list. Keep it under three minutes for a day trip.
Why each line is there
- Life jackets. The ATP's minimum requirements for marine tourist transport include a life jacket for every passenger. AMP and SENAN dock checks count them with the life rings, lights, extinguisher and flares. See required safety equipment.
- Capacity. The number on the AMP safety certificate is the limit, children included. Count heads again here.
- Emergency calls. SENAN handles search and rescue; there is no published direct line, so use VHF 16 and 911. In the Pacific canal approach, Flamenco Signal works VHF 12, so keep both channels on.
- Tides and boarding. The Pacific tide runs 4–6 m at Amador, so a step that is easy at high water can be a climb at low water.
- Lightning. From roughly May to November, storms build after midday. Plan to be back before them.
- Whales. From about July to October humpbacks are in the Gulf of Panama and Las Perlas. MiAmbiente's DM-0144-2022 rules apply to every boat, not only whale tours.
Tips
- Spanish first in Panama. Under Ley 45 de 2007, standard consumer terms not written in Spanish can be void. Keep both languages on the sheet, with Spanish complete.
- No medical details on paper. Ask guests to tell the captain privately. Health data is sensitive under Ley 81 of 2019, so collect it only if you need it, with consent.
- A signed sheet is a record, not a shield. It shows the briefing was given. It does not replace insurance or safe operation; see insurance and liability.
Read the companion guide
Before using this resource, read Required safety equipment on Panama boats.
Use it alongside these guides
Required safety equipment on Panama boats
Panama boats are checked for life jackets for everyone, flares, a fire extinguisher, navigation lights and a working radio. What to carry, and why.
Charter boat safety inspections: what AMP checks
AMP inspectors check life jackets for everyone, life rings, lights, extinguisher, flares, compass, radio, anchor and current licences. How to prepare.
Person overboard in Panama: tides, currents, recovery
Person overboard in Panama: shout, throw, point, mark the GPS, call VHF 16 and 911. Pacific tidal currents move a swimmer fast, so act in seconds.
Passenger manifests, IDs and records for Panama charters
Passenger lists for Panama charters: what SENAN and the AMP expect, IDs, waivers, Ley 81 of 2019 on personal data, and how long to keep records.
Float plan for Panama, with local contacts
Printable float plan for boating in Panama: route, people aboard, check-ins, who to leave it with and who to call if overdue (911, SENAN, VHF 16).