A vessel passing through the locks shall normally be assisted by locks locomotives using steel towing wires. Article 59 of the Regulations on Navigation in Panama Canal Waters (www.pancanal.com) defines the requirements regarding construction, number, and locations of the chocks and bitts. Generally all vessels, except a vessel not requiring locomotives, shall be fitted with a double chock right in the stem, and another double chock right in the stern, and each shall be have two accompanying pairs of heavy bitts.
Vessels not exceeding 22.86m in beam can be provided with two single chocks, placed not more than 2.5m abaft the stem and no more than 3m off the centre line, instead of a double chock right in the stem. An aft double chock required right in the stern can be replaced by two single chocks located not more than 3m forward of the stern and 3m off the centre line.
Vessels exceeding 22.86m in beam can be provided with two double chocks, placed not more than 2.5m abaft the stem and no more than 3m off the centre line, instead of a double chock right in the stem. An aft double chock required right in the stern can be replaced by two double chocks located not more than 3m forward of the stern and 3m off the centre line.
All vessels with a maximum beam of 27.74m or more, in addition to the double chock at the stern, shall have two symmetrically spaced single chocks at the stern, not less than 3m, nor more than 6m from the centre line.
Detailed requirements of additional double chocks, single chocks and bitts depend on ship’ s length and beam. Additional double chocks shall have a pair of heavy bitts, and each single chock shall have an accompanying bitt.
