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Code of Best Practice for European Maritime Pilots
Statement of Intent:
· A pilot´s primary duty is to use his skill and knowledge to protect ships from collision or grounding by safely conducting their navigation and manoeuvring whilst in pilotage waters.
· A pilot has a secondary duty as the onboard representative of the State and pilotage authority.
The Pilot`s duty is:
· to not commence duty, or whilst on duty not to conduct an act of pilotage, whilst fatique or under the influence of unappropriate medication, drugs or alcohol.
· to conduct any ship under pilotage with all the due care and diligence necessary to safeguard that ship and its crew, other ships, people and fixed structures from harm.
· to take all necessary steps to protect the environment.
· to prepare a passage plan appropriate to local circumstances.
· to undertake a proper pilot / master exchange of relevant information regarding the ship and the intended pilotage.
· to assist the safe navigation and manoeuvring of other ships in the pilotage area, when engaged in an act of pilotage, where it is safe and practical to do so.
· to comply with all relevant legislation and regulations including and particularly IMO Resolutions and Recommendations.
· to assist the relevant maritime and other agencies in accordance with laid down procedures and requirements. In particular to bring to thwe attention of the appropriate authorities non-compliance with laws or regulations.
· to abide by all relevant safety rules, codes and practices.
· to take all necessary personal safety precautions whilst boarding, landing or onboard of a ship.
· to use and operate onboard equipment in an appropriate manner.
· to be polite, courteous, co-operative and respectful to all other personnel onboard or elsewhere in the working environment – respecting in particular differences of race, gender, religion or culture.
· to co-operate with, and give mutual respect and assistance to all other pilots in order to provide safe, efficient and effective pilotage services.
· to uphold proper standards of appearance and demeanor when on duty.
· to maintain to the best of their ability physical and mental fitness appropriate to the tasks required to be undertaken in the course of their duties.
· to not incur unnecessary additional costs in the course of conducting puilotage duties.
· to act in a ethical manner and with integrity.
· to act lawfully in accordance with all local public legislation and regulation.
· to abide by and act in accordance with all rules and regulations laid down by any relevant Maritime Authority.
· to immediately report to the relevant authority any irregularity, damage or absence of any navigation aids.
· to properly maintain and utilise personal safety equipment in accordance with safe operational practices.
· to properly maintain the operational viability of personal and other equipment.
· to maintain the necessary professional knowledge consistent with the proper execution of a pilot´s duties.
· to keep up to date on developments in ship design, equipment, maritime law and other matters relevant to the pilot´s task.
· to keep up to date with local navigational, hydrological and meteorological information.
· to comply with and complete all administrative tasks in due time.
· to properly follow the spirit and intention of the EMPA Charter on Pilotage and all other duly adopted EMPA policy recommendations.
Antwerp, May 1998
33rd EMPA General Meeting