Detractors were quick to scoff at Daniel Craig when he was unveiled as the supposedly all-action and rugged new James Bond

Powered up the Thames in a Royal Marines speedboat, he was dressed awkwardly in a life jacket and looked distinctly green around the gills.

Now two-and-a-half-years later, on the set of his second 007 film, the actor still looks to be rather ill at ease away from terra firma.

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Safety first: Daniel Craig, on a break during shooting in Panama on Saturday, wore a lifejacket on a pleasure cruise with partner Satsuki Michell

Craig, who recently signed for a further four films in a deal worth £30 million, wore what looked to be a much more buoyant and certainly more visible fluorescent life preserver on a two-hour boat tour during a break in filming of Quantum of Solace, the 22nd Bond film, in Panama.

At his side was his constant companion and fiancee Satsuki Mitchell, dressed similarly in a bright orange life jacket.

Perhaps of course Craig is bound by the film's insurers to take such precautions. For following a few close shaves this last week, they probably feel he needs looking after.

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Tough Guy: Daniel was back in character on the set of new Bond film Quantum of Solace yesterday

One day last week he came away with a bloodied face after a fight scene was shot in the central American country.

Local press reports also claimed he was rushed to the Punta Pacifica Hospital in Panama City after he fell during filming and it was feared he had broken a rib.

Although this new movie is understood to be more of a love story, reports from set say there is no lack of action, with Commander Bond apparently taking to the controls of fighter jet this time around.

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Tough guy: Daniel Craig as Special Agent 007 in Casino Royale, his original starring Bond role

The plot for this film carries directly on from the last film Casino Royale, where Bond fell for Eva Green's character Vesper Lynd, who was killed.

In a complex, twisting plot, he initially thought she has betrayed him - but then learned she took her own life to save his.

In Quantum of Solace, 007 sets out on a revenge mission which also takes him to Austria and Italy.

Craig turned 40 yesterday and celebrated with a cosy meal with Miss Mitchell.

Last week, a much larger party was thrown where some 300 cast and crew were invited. The party was held at Melia Panama Canal hotel in Colón, a Caribbean Sea coast sea port city.

Craig's contract - which will earn him some £30 million over the next decade - will incorporate a sliding salary based on how much each consecutive film makes at the box office and, importantly, in merchandising.

His first 007 outing made more than any other Bond movie when it was released in November 2006.

The level of MGM's commitment to Craig represents its confidence that he will reinvigorate the franchise and become a global star.

The deal far eclipses those signed by any previous Bond actor, including most recently Pierce Brosnan, who parted company with the film-maker in an argument over his financial worth.

Craig's tenure at the helm of the most profitable film franchise in history is estimated to make MGM hundreds of millions of pounds.

Quantum of Solace, which also stars Judi Dench as M, is due out in November.