Skip to Content

PILOTAGE

All vessels 500 GT or over require pilotage. Pilotage Exemptions are arranged through the Harbourmaster, Northland Regional Council and must meet the conditions set out in Navigation Safety Bylaws.

Pilotage and tug services to Northport cargo berths are arranged through Northport Limited. For NZRC jetty berths they are ordered through the ship’s agent after consultation with the refinery’s marine operations.
 
The pilot boarding ground is approximately 2 miles south east of the Fairway buoy and marked on charts NZ 5219, NZ5214 and NZ521 in position 35° 54.9´S, 174°, 34.6´E. The pilotage from the boarding ground to Marsden Point is 7 nautical miles.

Pilot Boat

 
The pilot boat’s name is ‘Jack Guy’ and can be contacted on VHF Channels 16 and 19. It is a rigid, inflatable boat with an aluminium hull and has twin propellers. Pilot boarding speed is about 7 knots and the pilot boards on the lee side of the ship.

Pilot Ladder

 
A regulation pilot ladder as prescribed in the Merchant Shipping (Pilot Ladder and Hoists) Regulations 1999 must be used for embarking and disembarking pilots. The ladder must be set 1 meter above the waterline and where the deck is 9m above the water; a ladder/accommodation gangway must be used and secured to the ship’s side.
 

Pilot Exempt Vessels (Masters)

While a pilot exempt vessel may transit the harbour in accordance to exemption certificate, Northport has further requirements when berthing at the facility; these will be ship specific and can be sort on request.
 
MV Golden Bay requirements are as follows:
  • All pre-arrival requirements are met where possible,
  • The Master is to hold a valid Pilot Exemption Certificate for the Whangarei Harbour,
  • The Tug 'Kemp' must be used when berthing as a minimum,
  • A minimum of a Northport two man line party is to be used on arrival and departure,
  • All VHF Communications procedures are followed.

Vessels Less than 500gt

For all vessels arriving at Northport that are less than 500 gross tonnes, a pilot is not required.  Northport requires the following additional requirements to be met for berthing:
  • All pre-arrival requirements are met were possible,
  • Tug requirements will be assessed on a case by case scenario, dependant on a vessel size, condition, master's experience and weather conditions.
  • Every vessel will require the appropriate Northport line party (numbers are dependent on length, less than 15m 1 man, 15-42m 2 men, 45m on application).  Linesmen are included in berthage rates.
  • All VHF Communications procedures are followed.
 
  

Pilot vessel Jack GuyPilot Vessel "Jack Guy"

 

 

 

 

 



Theme by Dr. Radut.