The Master's obligations with respect to pilotage
Pilotage is one of those areas where the Master's legal position and their operational responsibility pull in opposite directions if not properly understood. Getting this right is essential at command standard.
The pilot does not relieve the Master of responsibility
This is the foundation. Under the Pilotage Act 1987, a pilot acting on board a vessel has the conduct of that vessel — but the Master retains command. The Master remains responsible for the safety of the ship, her crew, passengers and the environment throughout the pilotage. The pilot is an adviser and navigator; the Master is the person in charge. If the Master observes the pilot taking the vessel into danger, the Master has both the right and the duty to intervene.
Compulsory pilotage areas
Certain ports and waterways in the UK are designated competent harbour authority (CHA) areas where pilotage is compulsory. Some vessels are exempt — typically those holding a Pilotage Exemption Certificate (PEC) for that specific area, or those below the tonnage or length threshold set by the CHA. The Master must establish before arrival whether pilotage is compulsory for the vessel in that port. Proceeding into a compulsory pilotage area without a pilot or a valid PEC is an offence.
Before the pilot boards
The Master should prepare the pilot card — a concise, accurate record of the vessel's characteristics: draught, air draught, manoeuvring data, thruster status, engine type and response. This is handed to the pilot on boarding. Equally, the Master should conduct a Master–pilot information exchange (MPEX). This is a two-way briefing: the Master communicates the vessel's condition, any defects affecting manoeuvring, crew readiness and any concerns; the pilot briefs the intended passage plan, berth, expected tug assistance, and local conditions. The MPEX is not a formality — it is the mechanism by which the Master satisfies themselves that the intended plan is safe.
During pilotage
The Master must remain on the bridge and monitor the conduct of the vessel throughout. Independent verification of position, speed and underkeel clearance is good practice. If at any point the Master is not satisfied — poor fixing, excessive speed, deteriorating conditions, a pilot who appears incapacitated — the Master acts. That is command responsibility.
Pilotage Exemption Certificates
A PEC is issued by the CHA and is personal to the named officer, specific to the vessel and to that authority's area. It is not transferable. The Master holding a PEC for a port may conduct the vessel's passage in place of a licensed pilot. The Master should be aware of the renewal and maintenance requirements set by the issuing CHA, as these vary.