Module 16 of 17
Pilotage
Harbour entry, IALA buoyage (Region A), transits, leading lines, and clearing bearings.
What Is Pilotage?
Pilotage is the art of navigating in confined waters — harbours, estuaries, rivers, and channels — where precise positioning is critical and there is little room for error. Unlike open-water navigation using charts and instruments, pilotage relies heavily on visual references.
A good pilotage plan is prepared in advance and uses transits, leading lines, clearing bearings, depth contours, and buoyage to guide the vessel safely into harbour.
Key Points
- Pilotage = navigating in confined/shallow waters
- Relies on visual references, buoyage, and pre-prepared plans
- Always prepare a pilotage plan BEFORE you need it
Pilotage Plans
A pilotage plan is prepared before entering or leaving harbour. It should include: the approach course, waypoints, buoys to identify, transits and leading lines, clearing bearings, depth information, tidal considerations, and contingency plans.
Draw the plan on the chart, write key bearings and distances on a waterproof card, and brief the crew. Know the harbour entry signals and any restricted areas. Check the tide — you may need minimum depth at the bar or over a sill.
Key Points
- Prepare the plan in advance on the chart
- Include: courses, buoys, transits, clearing bearings, depths
- Write key information on a cockpit card
- Brief the crew on the plan and their roles
- Check tidal height for depth over bars and sills
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