From time to time Port of London Authority Pilots are involved in Acts of Pilotage which are non-conventional. An example may be an act which involves a tug and tow arrangement which requires change during the Act. Other examples may include floating equipment with unusual power units and/or underwater configurations; or movements requiring augmentation of the manpower of the vessel/unit under Pilotage, during passage or for mooring purposes.
Unplanned non-conventional movements can pose a threat to the safety of navigation in the Estuary or River and, in addition, result in delay to the vessel involved. It is important therefore that agents and owners anticipating such non-conventional movements give sufficient prior warning to the PLA so that the movement can be planned properly and those involved (pilots, tugs, mooring gangs etc) briefed fully, prior to deployment.
