We even witnessed an explosion as they did their work. One of our advisors told us about the dredging they do to ensure the Canal is deep enough, especially near the Cut. They told us about the increasing crocodile population because the American management tried to keep the numbers under control and the new management doesn’t. They are proud to tell you for example the Canal has not had a day off in 100 years. Most have tidbits of information to share. We learned from our advisors that there are 9000 people working for the organization doing everything from scheduling to dredging. Most of the advisors are very proud to work for the Panama Canal. In return you feed them and take care of them during their visit onboard, but basically they do it because they love the Canal and they like meeting people and sharing a part of the journey. What we didn’t realize until we had time to chat with them properly is that being an advisor isn’t an official position in the organization and these guys do this extra job on their days off. They tell the person helming how fast to approach and how to safely maneuver. The advisors are meant to keep a close eye on the goings on of the approach, rafting up with other boats, the entrance to the canal and maneuvers in the locks. On our journey through the Canal we had two amazing advisors. They are wonderful people, from South Africa and the Belgian Congo and we look forward to our friendship over the years to come. It was such an honor to share this journey with them. We learned some tricks from them and were spoiled by mouth watering treats. We were very well looked after by Yves and Marta who have the most beautiful home afloat where they have lived for 35 years. Every boat needs four line handlers, two at the front and two at the back just in case you go through the locks alone, you must have four lines to the shore to keep the vessel centered in each lock. In the middle of February we joined a lovely boat called Breakaway on their transit through the Panama Canal.
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