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Pilotage Exemption Certificates - Frequently Asked Questions What is the first step towards gaining a Pilotage Exemption Certificate?
You must inform the PLA of your intention to apply. You will be given a PEC Reference Number, which you should quote when navigating in the PLA district, and any qualifying trips you then do will be logged against your number in support of your application.
What happens if I do trips without getting a PEC Reference Number first?
Your trips will not be recorded and we are then unable to accept them as evidence towards your exemption application.
I am expected to have an interview with a Harbour Master. What form will this take?
You will be asked to attend at the Port Control Centre, Gravesend, or the Thames Barrier Control Centre, for an informal interview with a Harbour Master. You will also be given a conducted tour of the VTS centre during which you may raise any questions you have.
What is the maximum size of vessel for which I am applying, before I have to sit an examination?
Vessels of over 100 metres LOA require an oral examination to gain exemption. Also any vessel of over 50 metres LOA which is Specified, likely to carry Marine Pollutants in bulk, or likely to carry passengers.
I have forgotten to inform the PLA that I require a vessel to be included on my Pilotage Exemption Certificate. Will my Certificate be valid for this vessel?
No - you will be challenged by the Port Control Centre and required to take a pilot.
I want a vessel added to my Pilotage Exemption Certificate urgently; could my agent apply on my behalf?
The applicant must sign applications for any changes to a Pilotage Exemption Certificate. We are unable to accept per-pro documents as we have a duty of care to the Certificate Holder. We will accept a faxed document as long as it bears the signature of the applicant, and on condition that the original is despatched as soon as is practicable.
I have met all the requirements for a Pilotage Exemption Certificate, am I now exempt?
No, your Pilotage Exemption Certificate application will have to be approved by the Licensing Committee of the PLA Board. This may take about a week, as the Committee only sits on specific days.
What evidence must I submit with my Pilotage Exemption Certificate Application form?
We will require: -
- a fully completed Application Form,
- The Contractual Agreement signed by the Owner/Operator of your vessel(s),
- a PLA Tripping form listing the requisite number of trips for the area(s) for which you intend to apply,
- a list of vessels nominated for inclusion on your certificate,
- a copy of your Certificate of Competency (or Waterman's Licence if applicable)
- a copy of your current valid Medical Certificate.
My Pilotage Exemption Certificate has long expired. Can I renew it?
You will have to meet the conditions for a new Pilotage Exemption Certificate in order to reinstate it. This will include an examination or an interview with a Harbour Master and an assessed trip in the area(s) for which you are applying. Your old number may be used to log trips, but will not be valid as an exemption.
I want to use my Pilotage Exemption Certificate on vessels over 100 metres LOA. Will I need to sit an oral examination?
Yes, you will have to attend for an oral examination. The interview with a Harbour Master and conducted tour of Port Control Centre will occur at the same time.
I want to use my Pilotage Exemption Certificate on vessels of less than or equal to 100 metres LOA. Will I need to sit an oral examination?
Only if the vessel is equipped and likely to carry Passengers, Marine Pollutants in bulk, or Specified cargoes.
Will I be able to attend for interview by Harbour Master outside normal office hours?
Regrettably PLA cannot guarantee that a Harbour Master will be available to order. However it may be possible to schedule an interview outside office hours with adequate notice. There may be an additional charge where this is done.
Can I have an interview with the Harbour Master onboard my vessel?
No, the interview will be followed by a conducted tour of the Port Control Centre, at which you may ask any questions you may have.
At what point can I take my assessed trip(s)?
You should have completed the requisite number of familiarisation trips for the area(s) in which you intend to apply before applying for an assessment.
Can you guarantee me an assessment when I next request it?
An assessment may only be performed by a Class I pilot. In times of high usage, PLA cannot therefore guarantee an assessment. You may be assured that we will do our utmost to supply pilots for assessment when required.
Where can I get PLA publications to assist with my studying?
PLA publications may be purchased from Howard La Roche, General Administration Officer, London River House, Royal Pier Road, Gravesend, Kent DA12 2BG, telephone 01474 562269.
Where can I get PLA charts to assist with my studying?
PLA charts and Miniplots may be purchased from the Port Hydrographer, Hydrographic Service, Alexandra House, Royal Pier Road, Gravesend, Kent DA12 2BD, telephone 01474 562207.
I have a PEC and wish to add another area to it. Do I need another interview with a Harbour Master?
No, under normal circumstances it should not be necessary.You will need an assessed trip for the area you wish to add. You should apply for this when you have done sufficient qualifying trips.
I wish to book an assessed trip. Who should I contact first?
You should inform Pilotage Administration, who will generate the Assessment Forms. You should then liaise with Port Control Centre to schedule your pilot.
Can I take an examination for more than one Pilotage Exemption Certificate Area at a time?
In our experience it is extremely rare that a candidate is adequately prepared to sit more than one area at a time. Candidates are advised to consider this when applying. In any case, due to the demand for PEC examinations, we are unable to guarantee the opportunity to take more than one area in one sitting.
I am adding another area to my existing PEC. Will it affect the renewal date of my original area(s)?
You Pilotage Exemption Certificate will be due for renewal on the anniversary of its first granting. Any area(s) you have added will not affect this date, as they will be extended for a further year at the same time as renewal of the original area(s).
How many officers may trip for Pilotage Exemption Certificates with a pilot?
Normally a maximum of two, but three in respect of dredgers.
How many trips do I need to gain an upriver berth?
The Upriver Berth is a component of exemption in Area 4. To gain an Upriver Berth in Area 4 you must have completed the entire minimum required trips to the furthest upriver berth you intend to nominate. For example, if you have only the minimum number of trips and the upriver berths vary, only the lowest berth in area 4 will apply.
Licensed Watermen - my trips start and finish at the same point in Area 4, what do I put on my Tripping Form?
The applicant needs to demonstrate 6 trips to the highest upriver point and 6 to the lowest, giving the dates. This will then show the requisite experience throughout the area. We are able to check the dates and reporting points from radar data.
Will the PLA notify me when my PEC is due to expire?
No, you or your agent should keep a record of its expiry date. Alternatively, you may find details of Pilotage Exemption Certificate expiry dates on our website www.portoflondon.co.uk.
My vessel is small enough not to require a compulsory pilot. Can I claim trips when navigating without a PLA Pilot or a PLA Pilotage Exemption Certificate Holder?No - a PLA Pilot or existing PLA Pilotage Exemption Certificate Holder must accompany you in order for you to claim the voyage as a trip towards exemption.
I lost my Furthest Upriver Berth at the time my Area 4 Pilotage Exemption Certificate was renewed. What must I do to get it back?
As long as the Pilotage Exemption Certificate for Area 4 has been continuously maintained...
- An applicant who lost a significantly higher upriver berth at the last renewal, and before the next renewal falls due must complete six trips to the higher berth (both day and night), and submit for assessment in order to have the higher berth reinstated. This applies to all vessels regardless of length.
- If the significantly higher upriver berth has been lost for a period greater than one year from renewal at which it was lost, the criteria for a higher upriver berth would be as for a new application, that is 12 trips (day & night). In addition, examination in the case of a vessel >100m (and >50m specified, passengers or pollutants), and an assessed trip.
What is the Contractual Agreement for the issue of a Pilotage Exemption Certificate?
In its best endeavours to comply with the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC), the Port of London Authority will not now issue a Pilotage Exemption Certificate, without first entering into a contract with the Operator responsible for the employment of the Applicant for whom the Application is to be made. Please refer to Notes for PEC Applicants – Contractual Agreement for further details.
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