---
kind: "section"
citation: "22 U.S.C. § 3811"
title: "22"
title_heading: "Foreign Relations and Intercourse"
number: "3811"
heading: "Operating regulations"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/22/3811"
units:
  - "Chapter 51 — Panama Canal"
  - "Subchapter I — Administration and Regulations"
  - "Part 8 — Shipping and Navigation"
  - "Subpart i — operation of canal"
---

# §3811. Operating regulations


The [Commission](/usc/22/277d–43.md?p=2) may prescribe, and from time to time amend, regulations governing—

- (1) the operation of the Panama Canal;
- (2) the navigation of the harbors and other waters of the Panama Canal and areas adjacent thereto, including the ports of Balboa and Cristobal;
- (3) the passage and control of vessels through the Panama Canal or any part thereof, including the locks and approaches thereto;
- (4) pilotage in the Panama Canal or the approaches thereto through the adjacent waters; and
- (5) the licensing of officers or other operators of vessels navigating the waters of the Panama Canal and areas adjacent thereto, including the ports of Balboa and Cristobal.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 96–70, title I, § 1801, Sept. 27, 1979, 93 Stat. 492; Pub. L. 104–201, div. C, title XXXV, § 3545, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2867.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Amendments

1996—Pub. L. 104–201 substituted “Commission” for “President” in introductory provisions.