Details of the pilotage regime in Shoreham Harbour and its approaches can be found in the current ‘Pilotage Directions 2010’ and ‘Pilotage Exemption Certificate Rules’ published by Shoreham Port Authority.
A brief guide to these Rules follows. Further relevant information may also be found in Shoreham Port’s ‘General Directions for Navigation 2010.’
Shoreham Port Authority is the Competent Harbour Authority for the port of Shoreham and its approaches.
Compulsory Pilotage
With a few exceptions, pilotage is compulsory for all ships navigating within the Pilotage Limits, having a length overall of greater than 50 metres – except if under the control of a PEC holder or shifting between berths with a mooring line ashore at all times.
It is also compulsory for all ships carrying marine pollutants in bulk and all ships carrying dangerous goods, also those towing or pushing where the overall length of tug and tow is greater than 50 metres.
A ship greater than 20 metres length overall (and those less than 20 m loa.) may also be required to take a pilot if suffering from a defect which affects its normal ability to navigate and/or manoeuvre.
Pilotage Exemption Certificates
Pilotage Exemption Certificates are available to bone fide Masters and First Mates of ships of greater than 50 metres in length overall, subject to the PEC Rules issued on 1st January 2010.
The grant of a PEC will be by examination. It will be for a specific ship or ships in one or more areas of the Port and its approaches. It will normally remain in force for one year.
Requirements for the Examination and award of a Pilotage Exemption Certificate are laid out in the current PEC Rules and are generally similar to the standards set for Authorised Shoreham Pilots.
They include a minimum of at least twelve acts of pilotage in the company of an Authorised Shoreham Pilot or an existing PEC Holder signed on to the vessel.
Pilotage Rules