The Panama Canal Commission has released the following Marine Director's Advisory to Shipping No. A-16-94:

"Implementation of the Panama Canal Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS) has been approved by the President of the United States and the final rule, to become effective on October 1, 1994, was published in the August 22, 1994 issue of the Federal Register". The toll rates are unchanged, but PC/UMS Net Tonnage (PC/UMSNT) will replace Panama Canal Net Tonnage (PCNT) as the basis for tolls assessment. Prominent aspects of PC/UMS are:

1. The documented PCNT of vessels measured and certificated by the Panama Canal Commission according to the rules that prevailed between March 23, 1976 and September 30, 1994 will be preserved as their PC/UMSNT for subsequent transits unless they undergo major structural changes.
2. Any vessel that arrives in Canal waters before 2400 hours September 30, 1994 and transits within 30 days without an intervening departure from those waters will be measured by the rules previously in effect.
3. All other vessels will be assessed tolls based on PC/UMSNT as determined by the rules that go into effect on October 1, 1994."

September 1994

Inquiries concerning the subject of this Circular should be directed to:
Directorate of Consular and Maritime Affairs, New York Representative Office,
Republic of Panama, 1180 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd Floor
New York, New York 10036, U.S.A.