Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 6, March 18, 2024
(a) Prior to assuming the con of a regulated vessel, a docking pilot shall conduct a master/docking pilot conference.
(b) During the conference, the docking pilot will provide the master and any maritime pilot present with information that a prudent pilot should convey under the prevailing circumstances including, but not limited to:
1. Information specific to navigation and conditions along the intended route;
2. Tug assistance;
3. Transfer pilotage duties to others;
4. The docking pilot's lookout and anchor watch requirements; and
5. The docking pilot's bridge manning requirements.
(c) The docking pilot shall request such information from the master and/or maritime pilot that prudent mariner should request under the prevailing circumstances including, but not limited to:
1. The status of the vessel's navigation equipment;
2. The status and characteristics of the vessel's engine and steerage equipment.
3. The vessel's handling characteristics;
4. The draft of the vessel; and
5. The location and currency of wheelhouse posters.
6.The location and currency of wheel house posters.
(d)If a pilot has a reasonable basis to believe that the vessels intended passage cannot be conducted safely, or the vessel cannot be docked or undocked safely, the pilot shall:
1. Not undertake the piloting of the vessel;
2. Advise the master that the docking pilot will not pilot the vessel and describe the rationale for the decision; and
3. Request the master to enter the refusal, as well as the rationale for the decision, into the ship's logbook.
4.Request the master to enter the refusal, as well as the rationale for the decision, into the ship's log book.
(e) In the event the master, despite the pilot's advice to the contrary in (d) above, commences the passage, the docking, or the undocking, or states an intention to do so, the pilot shall:
1. Immediately report the situation, and the circumstances that caused the pilot's belief that the vessel's intended voyage cannot be conducted safely to The United States Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, using the most expeditious means available, including Vessel Traffic Service, VHF, cell phone or land line and as soon as practical thereafter to the Commission President; and
2. Advise the master that the pilot shall remain on the bridge as an observer only and not engage in pilotage operations. However, if the pilot, while acting as an observer, notes the vessel is falling into danger, the pilot shall advise the master of the danger and give the master such advice, to the extent the pilot is able, as the master may require in a cooperative effort to extradite the vessel from the impending danger.
(f) Under (e) above, if an occurrence or accident follows, the Commission shall take any special circumstances of the case into account when judging the performance of the pilot.
