Safety is the priority when boarding and landing pilots in Falmouth. The ship’s master is asked to work closely with our experienced pilots and pilot boat coxswains to ensure that risks are minimised.
Rig your pilot ladder on the side of the vessel as instructed by the pilot boat coxswain to a height of 1.5 metres above sea level and in accordance with IMO Res A.1045 (27). This requirement will be advised when VHF contact is established.
Be prepared to adjust your speed and alter course to provide a lee if required.
The pilotage directions play a central role in improving the safety of commercial shipping inside the Falmouth Pilotage area, and are carefully designed to manage any risk posed by large vessels to other harbour users and the environment.
Keep an eye out for the two pilot boats; if they are operating slowly within the harbour it is possible that there is a pilot aboard a large commercial craft engaged in pilotage nearby.
Keep well clear of any large commercial vessels: avoid cutting in front of them or passing close behind where their wash can cause your vessel to alter course.
Remember that the view from the bridge of a large ship can be restricted, particularly for any vessels that get too close to the bow of the ship.
Large vessels can be restricted to operating in the deep channels and are sometimes unable to alter course because of this.
Large ships take a very long time to change course or stop, so the safest option is to keep well clear.
If you have any concerns please call the pilot boat on channel 09, or keep out of the deep-water channels when you see large vessels approaching.
Reporting requirements for vessels carrying dangerous or polluting goods.
