22 U.S.C. § 3811 — Operating regulations

The Commission 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 of it, 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.