Decision Making Process

Due to its complexity and dynamism the Panama Canal is one of the busiest waterways around
the world; there is a lot going on behind the success of the non-spot operation of this route.

Panama Canal Pilots since the moment that they received the call from Pilot assignment, start a
process were decision making and their professionalism, is key in the development of the whole
transit processes, take a proper rest to be clear of mind, get on time at the pilot station in order
to verify all technical details of the ship and check any particular in the schedule that might
affect us; just to mention few.

Decision-making involves the selection of a course of action from among two or more possible
alternatives in order to arrive at a solution for a given problem or to achieve goals.

1. Defining the problem

2. Gathering information and collecting data
3. Developing and weighing the options
4. Choosing best possible option
5. Plan and execute
6. Take follow up action.

Taking in consideration what have been mention before in regard to the decision-making
process lets ride in a short segment in this obstacle race on a North bound transit from the
Pacific explosion anchorage.

 Defining the problem

 Getting Underway - Should I get underway?

 Gathering information and collecting data

 Is the ship equipment working properly?

 How many shackles are in the water?
 I´m following a ship or I´m the first ship?
 Is there traffic?
 Locks ready time and resources.
 Weather condition

 Developing and weighing the options

 Remain at anchor till is safe to move.

 Start heaving up anchor in order to advance in the operation, hold in short stay and track
how everything develops.
 Heave up the anchor and get underway.
 If there is traffic, should I proceed into the channel and wait on the East side, till is clear?
 How will I meet any outbound traffic from the canal?

 Choosing best possible option

Let say hypothetically the whole operation is delayed and I ought to make it up for lost time
having locks and resources availables.

 Heave up the anchor and get underway.

If there is traffic proceed stern of the outbound vessels, check for any restriction with other
vessels, if there is wait on the East side, till is clear and proceed into the channel.

 Plan and execute

 Keep situational awareness of surrounding vessels and traffic, mentally trace a route to
reach the desire position.

 Take follow up action.

 Keep monitoring traffic and communication channels.

 Monitor any change of speed of the outbound traffic that may affect my decision.

To summarize when it comes to decision making it is important to keep in mind the positive and
negative of the different possibilities to ensure the best outcome from our performance and
guarantee a safe operation. This avoids possible losses to the organization and keeps the
company running with a sustained growth.