UNIT 44 – SMCP: PILOTAGE & PILOT STATIONS

This unit covers the standard phrases used to request and take a pilot at a pilot station. It follows the IMO SMCP phrases for External Communications in three areas:

• Is a pilot needed? — compulsory pilotage, requiring a pilot, and the Pilotage Exemption Certificate.
• Pilot station and pilot boat — ETA in local time, position and distance, the pilot boat on station, where and when the pilot will embark, freeboard and the VHF channel for pilot transfer.
• Suspension and assistance — pilotage suspended or resumed, when the pilot cannot embark, shore-based navigational assistance, and proceeding by yourself or following the pilot boat.