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<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n We call this Friday (12\/27) to confirm our appointment, and we will be assigned our time slot, told where to pick up our pilot advisor, whether we are a center tie or tied alongside a tug boat which will be tied to the side of the lock, and how much time we have to clear through without forfeiting our buffer deposit ($850).\u00a0 The advisor will help us lock through by managing communication with The Panama Canal Transit Control and providing piloting guidance \u2013 I\u2019ll be at the helm.\u00a0 We\u2019ll probably leave very early as the Northbound traffic is done in the morning and Southbound starts in the afternoon (which is why you are given 2 days to clear the Canal when coming from the Atlantic side).\u00a0 \u00a0There are actually two sets of locks that run parallel, but both canals are used for traffic transiting the same direction, which is why they do Northbound then Southbound (usually).<\/p>\n We\u2019ll first pick up our line handlers (4) who will help manage the lines (1 to 2 lines from the bow and 1 to 2 from the stern depending on how we lock through \u2013 side tie or center tie).\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Unlike other canals which use tug boats to help guide vessels through, the Panama Canal relies on locomotives, called Mules because they were originally mules before being replaced with locomotives. \u00a0As the boat rises or falls within the lock, the line handlers have to take up or ease the lines accordingly.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n