The following table describes the criteria by which the officers of domestic vessels in various jurisdictions around the world can obtain pilotage certificates (or “pilotage exemption certificates” as they often referred to) and thereby avoid using pilots on their vessels in their own country’s compulsory pilotage areas.
Country |
Criteria for the Issuance of Pilotage
Exemption Certificates (PEC) |
Australia |
- Master’s certificate.
- Completion of a minimum number of “observation trips” in the area for which a PEC is sought in the 12 months preceding the application. Trips must be performed with either a pilot or an exempted master. Not more than half of the observation trips can be performed with an exempted master and not as part of the ship’s crew.
- To be eligible for an endorsement for night navigation, the prescribed minimum number of trips at night must also have been performed.
- Applicants must keep a record of each observation trip – to be endorsed by the pilot or exempted master with whom the trip is performed.
- After completion of the required number of observation trips, applicants attend written and oral examinations, held by the harbour master.
- Upon successful completion of these examinations, a temporary PEC is issued, allowing the applicant to perform pilotage duties under the supervision of a mentoring pilot.
- Following completion of the required number of trips under the supervision of a mentoring pilot, a practical examination is conducted by a “check pilot”.
- Upon successful completion of the practical examination, the harbour master may issue a PEC.
|
Bulgaria |
- No pilotage exemption certificates are issued.
|
Denmark |
- Five trips with a pilot in the six months preceding the application.
- Examination on local knowledge by Pilotage Authority.
- Sailing frequency must be maintained every year.
|
Finland |
- 10 trips with a pilot before being eligible to apply (25 trips required of applicants re: cruise ships).
- Written and practical examinations on local knowledge by Pilotage Authority.
- PECs only available to masters of vessels not carrying dangerous goods.
|
France |
- Master’s certificate.
- Between 15 and 30 trips with a pilot required in the 12 months preceding the application (depending on location where PEC is sought) to be eligible for a practical examination on local knowledge by Pilotage Authority.
- PECs only available to masters of vessels not carrying dangerous goods.
- Language requirements (French).
|
Germany |
- Eligible for a PEC with 24 trips with a pilot in the 12 months preceding the application (vessels bigger than 120m LOA) or 12 trips (vessels smaller than 120 LOA).
- Examination on local knowledge by Pilotage Authority.
- Language requirement (German).
|
Greece |
- No pilotage exemption certificates are issued.
|
Italy |
- No pilotage exemption certificates are issued.
|
Netherlands |
- 18 trips with a pilot in the 12 months preceding the application.
- PECs only available to masters of vessels not carrying dangerous goods.
- Examination on local knowledge by Pilotage Authority.
|
Norway |
- 6 two-way trips with a pilot in the 12 months preceding the application.
- Examination on local knowledge by Pilotage Authority.
|
Poland |
- 6 trips with a pilot in the 12 months preceding the application.
- Examination on local knowledge by Pilotage Authority.
|
Spain |
- Master’s certificate.
- 30 trips with a pilot in the 12 months preceding the application.
- PECs only available to masters of vessels not carrying dangerous goods.
- Examination on local knowledge by Pilotage Authority.
- Language requirement (Spanish)
|
Sweden |
- Master’s certificate.
- Examination (theoretical and practical) on local knowledge by Pilotage Authority.
|
United
Kingdom |
- PEC standards must be equivalent to those applicable to the licensing of pilots.
- Master’s certificate or First Mate.
- Minimum number of trips with a pilot (varies depending on location).
- Practical and written/oral examination on local knowledge by Port Authority.
|
United
States of
America |
- U.S. officers working on U.S. vessels engaged in Great Lakes trade are allowed to perform pilotage duties if they hold a federal pilotage license issued by the U.S. Coast Guard pursuant to section 7101 of the United States Code (USC).
- Specifically, section 7101 (e) of the USC states that an individual may be issued a license if the applicant:
- demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Secretary (of the U.S. Department of Transportation), that the applicant has the requisite general knowledge and skill to hold the license;
- demonstrates proficiency in the use of electronic aids to navigation;
- maintains adequate knowledge of the waters to be navigated and knowledge of regulations for the prevention of collisions in those waters;
- has sufficient experience, as decided by the Secretary, to evidence ability to handle any vessel of the type and size which the applicant may be authorized to pilot; and
- meets any other requirement the Secretary considers reasonable and necessary
- The demonstration of proficiency and experience required for a license to be granted under USC 7101 is achieved through examinations administered and conducted by the Coast Guard. These examinations are not delegated to any third party.
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