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It has been called “the big ditch”, “the bridge between two continents” and “the greatest shortcut in the world”. One look at the immensity of the Canal, and you will understand why a French company with a labor force of 10,000 men went bankrupt trying to excavate it. The project, while conceived in 1534 by Charles I of Spain, began in 1882 and ended seven years later in disaster with over 22,000 people dead from disease and pestilence. The United States took over the assets of a French company in 1902 and began the process of finishing the canal.

It is a epic story, appreciated best by transiting the canal by ship, viewing what many historians say changed the face of the industrial world. This 51 mile water tollway shaved over 7,900 nautical miles off the distance between New York and San Francisco.

Sailing the Panama Canal not only offers a rich detailed and fascinating history narrated by an on-board Canal historian; it is the natural beauty that surprises most of all - an ever changing panorama of jungle clad hills, shimmering Lake Gatun, the high arched span of the America’s Bridge, and of course the intricate workings of the locks and gates themselves.

As you approach the canal from the Atlantic you travel through 7.2 kilometers of dredged channel. Your ship then proceeds for a little over 11 kilometers slightly westward before reaching the Gatun Locks. Huge ocean liners are lifted, as if they were toys, 85 feet by three sets of locks, to the level of Gatun Lake. This lake resulted from damming the Chagres River and broaching the Continental Divide. This combined with the Gaillard Cut was a feat equal to digging a trench 10 feet deep by 55 feet wide from New York to California.

Passing through Gatun Lake to the mouth of the Gaillard Cut and down the 13 kilometer channel, you arrive at the Pedro Miguel Lock, which has a drop of 31 feet. This lock borders Miraflores Lake, about 55 feet above the level of the Pacific. Your ship continues about 2 kilometers through Miraflores Lake and reaches two Miraflores Locks. These locks lower your ship to Pacific tidewater levels. Leaving the Miraflores Locks you continue 4 kilometers to Balboa on the Gulf of Panama.

From the deck of your ship or your own private balcony, you’ll marvel as the locks open one into the other. The locks are double to allow one ship to be raised while another is being lowered. The lock chambers on the Panama Canal are 1000 feet long and 110 feet wide. Transit time through the canal is usually seven to eight hours. As a counterpoint, there is the natural wonder that surrounds the man-made one; a lush, virgin rain forest; impenetrable and inviolate, except for the canal. Imagine yourself watching the sun rise in the Atlantic and set in the Pacific. Visit Mayan ruins and colonial cities.

You can watch cliff divers plunge from dizzying heights or hike in a cloud forest where hummingbirds dart in greater numbers than crows back home.

Early in 2000 the United States turned over 100% control of the canal to Panama after jointly sharing its protection and control since 1977. The final cost of the canal US$336 million dollars which is less than the cost of the new cruise ships that pass through.

While transiting the canal is an incredible experience, remember your cruise, depending upon itinerary, will also take you to places like Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica; Cartegena, Columbia; Santa Cruz; Zihuatanejo and Hualtulco, Mexico or perhaps Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Oranjestad, Aruba or possibly Willemstad, Curacao and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

Engineered as carefully as the Canal itself, these cruises combine just the right number of exciting ports with long, leisurely days at sea. And no matter which direction you go, you’ll discover a remarkable collection of wonders, both natural and man-made.

Sid Kaplan

Cruise Vacations Guide

Sid Kaplan has extensive experience in the travel business. He owned and operated a large retail cruise only agency in Canada and his wife has 25 years experience working for major cruise lines. Their website is Cruise Vacations Guide which offers advice and tips to those looking to create memorable cruise vacations. Shore excursion and land tour information is also provided. Cruise, hotel, car rental and vacation adventure booking online.

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Relaxing in your canoe on a beautiful calm lake, fishing for the perfect fish is a very enjoyable and peaceful pastime that is enjoyed by many. Or maybe taking your kayak down a white water river braving class four rapids is more your style? Inflatable boats or Zodiacs are a lot of fun cruising in the ocean, slamming through the surf as well!

No matter what your personal preference is, enjoying small boats on the water is a lot of fun and can be exciting and relaxing all in one trip, depending on what you prefer. But no matter what type of boating you enjoy, you should be aware of some fundamental boating safety rules before you head out.

Pay Attention To The Weather

No matter if you are going for a paddle along the shore line of a local lake or a wild cruise through the ocean surf you should pay close attention to the weather report of the area that you are going.

Out on the water, the weather can change very quickly causing a whole host of problems to small boaters. It is very important to look at the short term weather report if you are going on a day trip to see if the weather forecast is calling for rain or any other major disturbances.

Rain storms can be a lot worse on the water than they are on land. A small rain storm can quickly turn into a very frightening experience if you are in a small boat such as a canoe, kayak or rowboat. Very small boats do not have as much stability and can be capsized or flipped much easier than larger boats. Also, there is nowhere to escape from the rain on a small water craft which means that you will become wet and cold much faster.

It is also a good idea to look to the sky as well as the weather report. Of course it is important to look to the weather report for the official weather; however the weather can turn around very quickly around water so it is a good idea to look to the sky. If you see some black clouds forming quickly and filling the sky, you may want to avoid the water that day or keep a very close eye on the sky.

Don’t Forget…

It is always a very good idea when you are a planning an excursion on the water to tell someone where you are going and when you plan on coming back. If you plan on going out onto the ocean you should file a float plan with the marina. This is extremely important incase a sudden ocean storm comes up and you find yourself in trouble in your small boat.

Also, if you are going out on the ocean you should carry a VHF marine band radio with you. A VHF radio is the easiest and fastest way to make contact with someone who can help you if you find yourself in trouble.

What Should You Have On Board?

No matter what type of small boat you have, there are a few things that you should carry on board with you at all times:

* Life Jacket or PFD
* Flashlight
* Oars
* Bucket
* First Aid Kit
* Rope
* Blanket
* Mirror or shiny object
* Garbage bags
* Life Jacket

The reasons to have a life jacket or PFD (Personal Flotation Device) on board are fairly self explanatory; however, many people die from drowning every year because they were not wearing their life jacket. If you are in a small water craft such as a canoe or kayak you should be wearing your life jacket or PFD at all times. Due to the nature of these small boats, they can flip easily and suddenly creating an emergency situation quickly.

There are few different types of PFDs that you can choose from depending on the situation that you have. The Type I PFD is also known as the offshore floatation device. A type I is useful if you are going into rougher waters where you may not be rescued very quickly. Type II PFDs are also known as a near shore buoyant vest, this type of PFD is more useful if you are in calmer water where rescue will be quicker. Type III PFDs are floatation aids that should only be used in very calm and protected water where you will be rescued quickly.

Whistle

You should be sure that you have a whistle on board that will work when it gets wet, and one that is made of a color that you will be able to see in the dark. Whistles are very important no matter where you go boating, because a whistle call will attract help if you are stranded. However, a whistle is known as a distress signal so it should only be used in an emergency.

Flashlight

A waterproof flashlight is essential for your boats safety kit. If you get stranded on the water after dark, you can use the flashlight to signal for help using international SOS signals. You can also use the light to look for other boats or objects to avoid hitting them.

Oars

You should always have oars on board even if you have a motor. If your motor breaks down, or you run out of gas you will have a way to paddle into shore. Be sure that your oars are secured to your boat so that you will not lose them in a storm.

Bucket

A bucket or pail is very important to have on board in case you begin taking on some water, you can use the pail to bail yourself out. You can also use the bucket to tap out SOS signals.

First Aid Kit

This is an essential piece of equipment for small boats. It is also important to know how to use the first aid kit as well.

Blanket

In case you get wet or your clothes become soaked a blanket will help you prevent hypothermia.

Ropes

Ropes are very useful for a variety of reasons and should be kept on every boat. They can be used to tie the boat to shore, to another boat for towing or even to rescue someone from the water. It is also important to know some useful knots.

Mirror Or Shiny Object

This can be used to attract attention during the day time by reflecting the sun. If you are stranded on the water, you will need to attract help and a flashlight will not be very useful during the day light hours.

Plastic bags

Bags are useful to create make shift rain ponchos during bad weather, also you can keep equipment dry and secure. If you have to, you can use orange garbage bags to attract attention as well.

The Last Word

These are just a few accessories that you should keep on board of your small boat in case of an emergency. It is also a very good idea to take a course about small boat safety and know the laws in your area before setting out onto the water.

© 2005 http://www.inflatable-boats-now.com

About the Author
Kevin Brown is successful author and publisher of many informative websites including http://www.inflatable-boats-now.com. His websites offer tips and advice on a wide array of topics including small boats, inflatable boats, boat accessories, and more.

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