Pilotage Manual - Belfast Harbour

Section: 14 Rev No. 02
Title: Pilot Exemption Certificate Issue No. a
14.2 Management of PECs
I. A Pilot Exemption Certificate for the Port of Belfast may be granted by the
Belfast Harbour Commissioners (hereinafter referred to as the Authority) to a
person who is the bona fide master or chief mate of a ship, provided he satisfies
the following criteria:
1. He produces records endorsed by the Master or Senior Master of the vessel
showing that he has made at least 6 inwards and 6 voyages outwards within
the 12-month period prior to his application. The following conditions apply:
a. The trips must not all be performed in a one month period;
b. 8 trips must be in the 6 months prior to the application;
c. A First Class Pilot must attend one trip and a report issued;
d. It is preferable for 25% of the trips to be in darkness.
2. He produces written assurance satisfactory to the Authority from the owner of
the ship or ships that they have found him to be competent. This is also to be
supported by details on the time he has been with the company and been
Master or Chief Mate of the ship(s). A copy of his resume is also required and
details of other PEC’s held.
3. He holds a certificate of competency from an Authority recognised by the
International Maritime Organisation entitling him to act as Master or Chief
Mate of such a ship.
4. He has a reasonable command of English.
5. He produces a medical certificate acceptable to the Authority that he is of
sound health.
6. He has undertaken a boat trip to familiarise himself with the port and visited
the Operations room to become familiar with VTS operations.
7. He is familiar with towage services if it is likely that he may require these
services within the Port (tugs or workboats).
8. He passes the PEC exam before the Harbour Master or appropriate
representative and a First Class Pilot.
II. Pilot Certificates granted shall not continue in force beyond the 31 st of July
following the date of the certificate. The certificate may be renewed annually on
the 1 st of August provided that the Certificated Officer has made at least 12 trips
within the Port of Belfast within 12 months preceding the expiry of his
Certificate. The same conditions apply to these trips as listed under point I, III,
IV and VI.
Date: 08.01.09 Page: 33
Doc: MSMS-Pilotage Manual