Mississippi Administrative Code
Title 28 - Ports and Airports
Part 1 - TARIFF NO.7 SCHEDULE OF CHARGES, RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR PORT TERMINAL SERVICES
Chapter 02 - General Rules and Regulations
Section 28-1-02-180 - PILOTAGE: COMPULSORY

It shall be unlawful for any vessel of over 250 tons net registered tonnage to enter the harbors or passes leading thereto without being piloted and under the direction of a licensed pilot, and all such vessels shall be subject to compulsory pilotage except American vessels laden with coastwise cargo not destined for foreign ports. (Section 59 141, Mississippi Code of 1972)

Any vessel which by reason of its size or draft would be unable to leave the deep-water channel to avoid collision with an outbound or inbound ocean going vessel shall be subject to compulsory pilotage.

All vessels transporting class A, B, or C explosives or other dangerous cargoes shall be navigated under the direction of a licensed pilot.

Shifting between immediately adjacent berths where the lines of the vessel may be employed for such shifting may be performed without the services of a pilot, provided prior approval is obtained from the Port Authority.

All vessels navigating the Gulfport Harbor and Ship Channel shall contact the Port Authority on VHF Channel 10 or 16 to obtain permission. The Port Authority may at its discretion impose additional requirements in the event of severe weather or other extraordinary circumstances.