Captain EfraÃn Hallax, a veteran ship pilot with over 40 years of experience, began his ascent to the crew of the Athina, a tanker anchored in Panama Bay, as it prepared to transit the Panama Canal. At 73 years old, Hallax is responsible for guiding vessels through this crucial maritime corridor that connects the Pacific Ocean with the Caribbean Sea.
On a February night, Hallax reported for duty shortly before midnight, shortly after President Trump had canceled a call with Panama's President José Raúl Mulino regarding the future control of the canal. Despite the political backdrop, Hallax noted that operations continued as usual, emphasizing the canal's 24-hour functionality.
As he began his night shift, Hallax highlighted the importance of alertness for pilots, relying on caffeine and ice to stay awake. He is one of 310 authorized pilots, including six women, who are the only individuals permitted to navigate the canal's 50-mile transit, requiring the ship's captain to relinquish control.
Informed by marine traffic control, Hallax prepared for the night's journey, likening it to a game of chess. The Athina is capable of passing through the canal's three sets of locks, which have been operational since the canal's opening in 1914. The transit typically takes about 10 hours, with the canal facilitating around 40 ships daily, generating significant revenue for Panama.
Hallax described the pilots as highly specialized drivers, trained to navigate large vessels through narrow and crowded waterways. He noted that mistakes in such environments can have global repercussions, as seen in past incidents like the Suez Canal blockage.
Upon arrival at the Miraflores locks, Hallax took command of the Athina, acknowledging the potential friction in transferring control from the ship's captain. He reflected on the challenges of steering in poor visibility conditions but noted that the current weather was favorable.
Hallax's career began with a desire to explore the world, influenced by his family's maritime background. Despite initial barriers to entering the canal workforce, he pursued maritime training and eventually became one of the first Panamanian pilots after the U.S. relinquished control of the canal in 1999.
Today, pilots earn substantial salaries, with Hallax choosing a balanced lifestyle over constant work at sea. He recounted a significant moment in his career when he protested against the dictatorship of Manuel Noriega by stopping a ship, an action that led to his temporary dismissal but later reinstatement after political changes in Panama.
After successfully piloting the Athina through the canal, Hallax returned home, expressing his intention to retire in two years to explore the world on foot. He remains unconcerned about potential changes to the canal's operations due to political developments, asserting that the fundamental challenges of piloting will persist.