Compulsory Pilotage

Compulsory pilotage is a requirement, imposed by a coastal or port state, that certain vessels embark a licensed pilot when navigating defined waters. The IMO does not mandate pilotage directly; it addresses it through SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 23 on pilot transfer arrangements and through ships’ routeing and reporting measures adopted under SOLAS V. Assembly resolution A.960(23) gives recommendations on training, certification, and operational procedures for maritime pilots other than deep-sea pilots. Jurisdiction over compulsory pilotage areas rests with the state, subject to the UNCLOS freedom of navigation and innocent-passage limits.