Pilot boarding requirements
A) Inbound
Prior to pilot boarding, Masters shall
- Ensure that the ETA, deepest draft on arrival and normal ships speed is sent to Sevilla Pilots by Fax (+34 956370299) or e-mail (TO: sevillapilots@practicosdesevilla.es CC: practicos@practicosdesevilla.es) at least 24 hours before arrival.
- Changes in ETA of more than one (1) hour should be amended immediately, and the final ETA must be confirmed two (2) hours before arrival via VHF ( Channel 12)
- Establish V.H.F. contact with Sevilla Pilots through our Station at Chipiona Pilots Station as soon as possible and not less than two (2) hours before ETA.
- Rig the Pilot ladder in accordance with International Regulations, on side and height above the water advised by Pilot Station
- Navigate vessel to correct boarding ground position and follow directions given by pilot launch.
Important point to remember
Make a good lee for the pilot launch with the wind and sea well abaft the beam on the weather side, and a speed of about seven (7) knots
Both for embarking and disembarking manoeuvres, the pilot boat will give instructions about best position and course to steer to make a good lee.
Pilot boarding grounds
The pilot boarding ground at Chipiona Roads is in the vicinity of the fairway buoy nº1, El Perro buoy Racon M. (Instituto Hidrográfico Español, chart nº 4422 and UK Hydrographic Office, chart nº 85)
Check communications procedures before approaching.
Pilot V.H.F. procedure
Chipiona Pilots Station keeps watch 24 hours in channel 12 VHF
Contact should be made at earliest opportunity and at least two (2) hours prior to arrival at boarding ground. Please confirm ETA at Pilot Boarding Ground and ships deepest draft on arrival and normal speed.
Following the initial contact a listening watch should then be kept on Channel 12 for any further instructions regarding boarding.
One hour before arrival the Pilot Station will inform about Pilot boarding time, or if it is necessary to drop anchor waiting for further instructions from Agents at Seville.
The pilot boat will inform the vessel when she leaves Chipiona Harbour proceeding to Pilot Boarding Grounds. Final boarding orders will be made from the launch on Channel 12.
B) Outbound
According to local regulations, its necessary to apply for a pilot through your agent for outbound vessels.
Also note that the pilot in Seville will embark from shore.
C) Requirements For Embarkation Of Pilots
Descargar Resolución A.889(21) de la OMI de 22/11/99
- The pilot ladder (see sketch) constructed and rigged in accordance with I.M.O. requirements and I.M.P.A. recommendations, (see Chapter V of SOLAS 1992 for pilot ladders). The ladder should be clean, properly fitted with spreaders, well clear of all discharges and outlets, and all outboard fittings which might foul the pilot launch. The distance that the bottom of the ladder is to be above the water will be advised by the pilot launch. The distance from the waterline to the point of access must not exceed nine (9) metres.
- Two (2) clean manila manropes of not less than 28mm. diameter and not more than 32mm. diameter are to securely made fast to the ship, and must not be made fast to the ladder at any point. The manropes must not be longer than the ladder.
- Where the ladder is rigged over a bulwark, two (2) stanchions are to be securely fitted in the top of the bulwark, one on each side of the ladder, and steps are to be provided from the top of the ladder to the deck.
- A heaving line is to be provided for mail and the pilot's bag.
- By night a bright light is to be provided, shaded to show downward and forward but clearly illuminate the ladder and ship's side.
- Tripping lines and boat ropes are not to be used.
- An officer should be in attendance at the ladder, with life-saving appliances ready for immediate use. The officer must also have a Portable Radio for immediate communication with the bridge.
