Operations

Pilotage Exemption Certificate (PEC)

Harwich Haven Authority is responsible for the management and authorisation of Pilotage Exemption Certificates (PEC) for bona fide deck officers sailing on a regular basis to and from Haven Ports. Masters and Deck Officers may apply and qualify for a PEC following the process outlined below (see Guidelines for Pilotage Exemption Certificates and Haven Ports Pilotage Directions for full details).

 

Step 1 – Application

A PEC applicant will need to complete and return the PEC Application form to [email protected] and provide a copies of:

  • valid certificate of competence
  • appropriate medical certificate

An administration charge applies for the processing of a PEC application, amendment or revalidation. Full details can be found here Schedule of Conservancy Dues and Pilotage Charges.

 

Step 2 – Induction and Familiarisation

The candidates must attend the following induction and familiarisations:

Candidates serving on dredgers actively working in the Haven will have the option to receive their induction and familiarisation onboard (towage familiarisation not required).

Familiarisation visits must be recorded in the candidate’s Training Record Log where applicable.

At induction the candidate will be issued with a learning number, for use in all training and tripping throughout the authorisation process. Thereafter the candidate may start to undertake and record qualification trips under the supervision of a qualified PEC holder or Haven Pilot.

In preparation for examination, candidates should start to familiarise themselves with the local byelaws and regulations for navigation, as listed under Supporting Documentation and Pre-exam Reading List (scroll to the bottom of this page for full list).

 

Step 3 – Qualification Passages and Assessments

Full information regarding the number and criteria of required qualifying passages and assessments can be found in the Haven Ports Pilotage Directions.

The candidate must record each passage on the Training Record Log and notify Harwich VTS stating the learning number issued.

Once the minimum number of required qualification passages have been completed, the candidate may request assessment trips via Harwich VTS, which will be conducted by a Haven Pilot.

Please note – All qualification requirements must be completed within 12 months, or the learning number will be revoked.

 

Step 4 – Examination

Following successful completion of the required assessment trips, the candidate may request an oral examination. The examination syllabus and process is detailed in the Guidelines for Pilot Exemption Certificates document.

Following a successful examination the PEC certificate will be issued, or a referral may be given if further learning is required.

 

Step 5 – Annual Renewal

All Pilotage Exemption Certificates are valid for 1 year. The PEC holder must have completed a minimum number of passages over the previous 12-month period to be eligible for annual renewal, refer to Haven Ports Pilotage Directions for details.

PEC holders should complete the PEC Renewal or Amendment Application form and return to [email protected] along with latest copies of:

  • valid certificate of competence
  • appropriate medical certificate

A renewal interview will be arranged at Harwich VTS, after which the PEC will be renewed for another year.

 

Step 6 – Five Year Renewal

A practical assessment must be completed with a Haven Pilot every 5 years.

PEC holders are required to attend Harwich Integrated Port Operations Course (HIPOC) at least once during the 5 years. 

Suspension or Revocation of PEC Licence

A licence not renewed within 2 years will be revoked.

PEC authorisation may be suspended or revoked if deemed necessary by the Marine Director (Harbour Master). For full details can be found here Guidelines for Pilot Exemption Certificates.

 

Amendment to a PEC Licence

For any amendment to a licence, the PEC holder must submit a new Renewal or Amendment Application form.

For additional vessels and/or areas, the PEC holder must meet the criteria found here Guidelines for Pilot Exemption Certificates. 

 

Supporting Documentation and Pre-exam Reading List

For any enquiries contact [email protected].