VTS Manual - Belfast Harbour

Section: 2 Rev No. 02
Title: Introduction Issue No. a
2.2 Pilotage
Compulsory pilotage will apply to all Vessels navigating inside the port limits, i.e.
inside a line joining Grey Point and Carrickfergus Castle, subject to the following
exemptions:
a. Vessels less than 75m in overall length
b. Vessels over 75m and above, but under 100m in overall length navigating
in the outer harbour
c. HM Vessels and foreign war ships;
d. General Lighthouse Authority tenders;
e. Vessels that are moving from one berth to another within a dock or within
the same channel
f. Vessels navigating to or from Carrickfergus Harbour.
g. These exemptions will not apply to:
Vessels with a Passenger Certificate.
Vessels carrying dangerous goods in bulk, including bitumen and
vegetable oil.
Vessels in ballast that are not gas free
Vessels not fitted with a working radar installation when due to fog,
mist falling snow or heavy rainstorm, or any other similar causes,
visibility is less than 2.5 cables
Vessels or their tows if any having one of the following defects:
­ Are unseaworthy in any respect;
­ Have defects to main engine, steering gear, or auxiliary
machinery which may affect the manoeuvring of the Vessel;
­ Have inoperable capstan, windlass, mooring winches or
anchors that are not cleared or ready for use;
­ Have a list of over 5 degrees or are excessively out of trim;
­ Have any hull or machinery damage which may affect the
safety of the Vessel or the containment or safety of the
cargo or bunkers.
Date: 18.08.2008 Page: 2-2
Doc: MSMS-VTS Manual 1.11.doc