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Holiday boat trips face life jacket checks

The Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) is deploying 143 staff to the country's main ports, docks and boat landings on 3, 4 and 5 November 2026 for a Fiestas Patrias safety operation, the authority said on Monday 2 November. TVN, Crítica and Destino Panamá also reported the plan.

Inspectors will check life-saving equipment, the mandatory use of life jackets, that boats do not carry more passengers than authorised, and that water-transport operators have their required papers (AMP).

Where inspectors will be (as listed by AMP)

  • Panamá: Puerto Coquira, Puerto Taboga and Puerto Panamá.
  • Bocas del Toro: Almirante, Chiriquí Grande and Bocas Isla.
  • Los Santos: Pedasí, with patrols at Arenal and La Yeguada.
  • Colón: Cristóbal harbour master, Portobelo (several landings), Isla Grande, La Guaira, Río Indio, Miguel de la Borda, Cacique, Puerto Lindo and Miramar.
  • Darién: La Palma, Quimba and Yaviza.
  • Veraguas: Puerto Mutis, Santa Catalina and Puerto Vidal (Pixvae).
  • Chiriquí: Puerto Pedregal (Base, Boca Chica and Punta Tierra).
  • Coclé: Puerto Aguadulce, which is the operation's headquarters.
  • Guna Yala: Obaldía and La Miel.

Numbers to know

  • AMP operation headquarters in Aguadulce: 906-0238 and 906-0239 (AMP).
  • Emergencies, 24 hours: 911, National Police 104, Fire Brigade 103 (AMP).
  • During the 2025 Fiestas Patrias operation, AMP counted 59,640 passengers and 6,038 boat departures in the areas it covered (AMP).

Weather check

  • November is one of the rainiest months. Check the latest Sinaproc and weather service notices before any crossing, and do not board if the operator or AMP staff say conditions are unsafe.

What it means for expats

  • Planning Taboga, Isla Grande, Portobelo, Bocas, Santa Catalina or Boca Chica over the long weekend? Expect inspectors at the dock and possible short delays at busy times.
  • Wear the life jacket for the whole trip, not just at the dock, and make sure children have one that fits.
  • If a boat looks overloaded, wait for the next one. Capacity is one of the things AMP says it is checking.
  • Ask your boat operator or tour company before you book whether they hold current permits. AMP says operator documents will be checked.
  • Save 911, 104 and 103 in your phone, and tell someone on shore your route and return time.

Sources

  • AMP - AMP will deploy 143 inspectors nationwide for the Fiestas Patrias maritime operation - 2 Nov 2026
  • TVN - AMP to deploy 143 inspectors to reinforce maritime safety over the holidays - 2 Nov 2026
  • Crítica - Boat trips: AMP sends 143 inspectors out - 2 Nov 2026
  • Destino Panamá - AMP deploys 143 staff to reinforce maritime safety during Fiestas Patrias - 2 Nov 2026