Panama Canal -- More Scenes

The Panama Canal has a remarkable lock system.

(File Photo)

We had quite an audience as the ship approached the Pacific Ocean.

Finally, the PILOT can leave the ship and turn over the vessel to it's captain.

Panama Canal Transit

Each ship's captain must turn complete control of his ship over to a highly trained Panama Canal pilot for the 8-10 hour transit through the entire canal.


The drivers of the $2 Million dollar "mules" are quite dedicated and are vital to the operation of the entire lock system. Each unit is a complete work area. Once the driver is on board, that is his home for the day. This ensures an efficient operation of the lock system.

Panama Canal -- Atlantic to Pacific Oceans

Familiar sites on the Panama Canal.

Tugboat ready to assist.

Another ship waiting to transit.

Hardworking "mules".

Exiting narrow locks.

Building the Panama Canal was an even greater challenge than building the Suez Canal.

The following video shows the great difficulties encountered by the builders.

(49 minutes)

Experience Panama - Seven Wonders Of The World -- 49 minutes (BBC)

 

The building of the Panama Canal -- French and American contributions

(Not suitable for very young children)
Click on Box (Lower Right) after film begins.
This will increase the size to full screen.