Pilotage Manual - Belfast Harbour

Section: 9 Rev No. 02
Title: Passage Plans Issue No. a
9. PASSAGE PLANS
9.1 Introduction
Passage Plans should be formalised for each channel, approach and berth
(Appendix 7), in certain simple cases it should give general guidance for any entry
into Belfast, in other cases elaborated for particular berths, ships sizes, cargoes,
conditions, tidal constraints, tug allocation, etc.. Particular attention should be paid to
critical port movements i.e. deep drafted vessels to particular berths and awkward
construction that use Belfast Harbour such as Rig movements.
Passage plans are not immutable. It is important not to restrict the pilots need to
react to unforeseen circumstances, deviations from an agreed plan should be
discussed with the master and VTS when relevant and recorded with reasons,
records need to be kept and simple documents completed by the pilot.
As part of the passage plan the following points must be checked:
• The vessel has sufficient water to transit to the berth.
• There are any diving operations in the port, or any other ongoing operations,
which might impact on the passage plan.
• There any current local Notices to Mariners relevant to the passage.
• There any other vessels that might be relevant to the passage, as on VT1- 4,
OB4, RW, SRQ, or on adjacent berths to the assigned berth.
• Confirmation from the VTSO that the assigned berth is clear and that there is
sufficient room for tugs, if assisting, to manoeuvre.
• All participants (e.g. Master, crew, VTS, tug Skippers and boatmen) know
what is expected of them in carrying out the Passage Plan.
• If the Passage needs a special Risk Assessment.
• Considering a special movement as “Any port movement which requires
resources beyond those normally available within the port and/or a cargo or
vessel, which due to its nature, posses a higher risk than normally managed”.
All Special Movements require a meeting between all parties involved to
clarify all aspects of the Passage Plan and complete operation.
9.2 Re-assessing the Plan
During the act of Pilotage itself (enroute to vessel and while on board) it is the
responsibility of the pilot to review the preparations and Pilotage plan on an ongoing
basis to ascertain if any amendments are necessary.
If a deviation from the plan is considered VTS are to be informed and circumstances
recorded.
Date: 08.01.09 Page: 19
Doc: MSMS-Pilotage Manual