Marine pilots play a critical role in ensuring the safe navigation of vessels into and out of Victoria’s ports.
A marine pilot is a specialist mariner who boards vessels to guide the ship’s master when sailing through high-risk areas where local knowledge of potential hazards is essential.
An example of this is large container ships coming in through The Heads and moving across Port Phillip Bay to the port. A pilot boat will take a marine pilot from their base around Port Phillip Bay out through the heads into Bass Strait, to meet a large container vessel. The pilot then climbs aboard and guides the vessel through the Heads and up to the Port of Melbourne.
The requirements of licensing and training for marine pilots are set out in a “Determination”, which is reviewed every three years.
Safe Transport Victoria has recently undertaken a review of these licencing and training requirements, updating the Determination: Licensing and Training Requirements for Marine Pilots in Victorian Ports.
This Determination can be found on ST Vic’s website.
The revised Determination will help to maintain safety in the pilotage industry and ensures Victoria’s ports run safely and efficiently into the future.
Safe Transport Victoria consulted with stakeholders within the maritime industry when reviewing the Determination.
Learn more about Marine Pilots on the ST Vic website at: https://safetransport.vic.gov.au/on-the-water/ports-and-shipping/pilotage-services/