Port of Dampier Pilotage Directions

SHEQ-SYS-G-013

Port of Dampier Pilotage Directions

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1. PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................. 3

1.1. PORT OF DAMPIER MARINE SAFETY PLAN ...................................................................... 4

1.2. PORT PARAMETERS ........................................................................................................... 4

1.3. COMPULSORY PILOTAGE ................................................................................................... 4

1.4. EXEMPTIONS FROM COMPULSORY PILOTAGE ............................................................... 5

1.5. PILOTAGE EXEMPTIONS ..................................................................................................... 5

1.6. USE OF PILOT EXEMPTION CERTIFICATES ...................................................................... 5

1.7. REVOKING PILOTAGE EXEMPTION ................................................................................... 5

1.8. PILOTAGE SERVICE PROVIDERS ...................................................................................... 5

2. SCOPE .................................................................................................................................. 5

3. REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................... 6

4. PILOTAGE & TOWAGE ........................................................................................................ 6

4.1. PORT LIMITS ........................................................................................................................ 6

4.2. PILOT BOARDING LOCATIONS ........................................................................................... 6

4.3. PILOT DISEMBARKATION LOCATIONS .............................................................................. 6

4.4. TOWAGE ............................................................................................................................... 7

4.5. VESSELS TOWING LOADING HOSES. ................................................................................ 7

4.6. ESCORT TOWAGE ............................................................................................................... 8

4.7. RESTRICTED VISIBILITY AND TRAFFIC CONGESTION. ................................................... 8

4.8. DEPARTING DEEP DRAFT VESSELS RIGHT OF WAY ...................................................... 8

4.9. VESSELS CROSSING DEEP DRAFT VESSEL CHANNELS. ............................................... 9

4.10. AUTHORISED COMMUNICATIONS ..................................................................................... 9

4.11. REPORTS TO HARBOUR MASTER IN DPA‟S PILOTAGE AREA ...................................... 10

4.12. INAPPROPRIATE USE OF MOBILE PHONES ................................................................... 11

5. STANDARDS AND CRITERIA FOR PILOTAGE EXEMPTION CERTIFICATES ................ 11

5.1. APPLICATION FOR A PILOTAGE EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE (PEC) .............................. 11

5.2. CONDITIONS RELATED TO THE EXAMINATION, ISSUE AND RENEWAL OF A PILOTAGE EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE ............................................................................. 12

5.3. PEC VALIDITY .................................................................................................................... 13

5.4. SYLLABUS FOR PILOTAGE EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION ........................ 13

6. ETA’S AND ETD’S .............................................................................................................. 15

6.1. ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL (ETA) AT PILOT BOARDING STATION .......................... 15

6.2. ADVICE RE DEPARTURES ................................................................................................ 15

6.3. BOARDING & DISEMBARKATION OF PILOTS IN ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS .. 15

6.4. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ETA / ETD REQUIREMENTS .............................................. 15

6.5. THE USE OF A SECOND PILOT ......................................................................................... 16

APPENDIX A - DAMPIER PORT LIMITS ..................................................................................... 17

APPENDIX B - RESTRICTED PILOT EXEMPTION AREA .......................................................... 18

APPENDIX C - APPLICATION PILOT EXEMPTION WORKFLOW ............................................. 19

Port of Dampier Pilotage Directions

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1. PURPOSE

Local Pilotage Directions apply to vessels navigating within the Dampier Port Authority (DPA) port limits

however DPA complies with the Port Authorities Act 1999 (WA) and Port Authorities Regulations 2001 (WA)

Part 3 and these documents take precedence over these Directions in the event of any conflict. Pilotage

within the Port of Dampier is monitored and audited to comply with current best practice, including guidelines

established by Australian Maritime Safety Authority, National Marine Safety Committee and Australian

Marine Pilots‟ Association. Present terminal and pilotage status for the Port is:

Terminal Operator Berth/s Commodity Pilotage Provider Exemptions

Woodside Energy Withnell Bay LNG/Condensate/LPG Woodside Energy No

Woodside Energy Pluto LNG/Condensate/LPG Woodside Energy No

Woodside Energy King Bay Offshore Supplies Argonaut Marine

Group (AMG) Yes

Woodside Energy BMF Offshore Supplies Argonaut Marine

Group (AMG) Yes

DPA Cargo Wharf General Cargo/Heavy

Lift

Argonaut Marine

Group (AMG) Yes

DPA BLB Bulk Liquids Argonaut Marine

Group (AMG) No

DPA HLO Heavy Lifts Argonaut Marine

Group (AMG) Yes

DPA ALF Construction materials Argonaut Marine

Group (AMG) Yes

DPA Barge Ramp Offshore Supplies N/A Yes

Mermaid Marine Cargo Wharf Offshore

Supplies/Heavy Lift

Argonaut Marine

Group (AMG) Yes

Mermaid Marine Slipway Support Vessel Repairs Argonaut Marine

Group (AMG) No

BP Service Wharf Diesel Rio Tinto No

Rio Tinto Parker Point Iron Ore Rio Tinto No

Rio Tinto East Intercourse

Island Iron Ore Rio Tinto No

Dampier Salt Mistaken Island Salt in bulk Pilbara Iron No

Figure 1

Port of Dampier Pilotage Directions

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1.1. PORT OF DAMPIER MARINE SAFETY PLAN

1.1.1. Dampier‟s Marine Safety Plan and associated entities‟ Safety Management Systems (SMS)

endeavour to reduce the risks arising from the day-to-day operations in the harbour and

pilotage areas to a level as low as reasonably practical (ALARP). In September 2005 DPA

commissioned Risk & Reliability Associates (R2A) in consultation with stakeholders to

prepare a formal safety assessment of port hazards, assess the associated risks and

evaluate control measures to minimise the risks. This risk assessment was reviewed and

updated by Arup consulting in February 2011.

1.1.2. To ensure the control measures remain valid, it is essential that all the Port‟s Stakeholders

(Port Staff, Pilots, Pilotage Exemption Certificate (PEC) holders, Tug Masters, Agents, berth

operators and recreational users) advise DPA of „potential risks, which, in their opinion, could

indicate a weakness in a particular control measure or risk assessment.

1.1.3. Please use individual Company Incident Report Forms to report to DPA any potential risks

encountered in harbour or pilotage waters, however this process does not preclude the

requirement for Pilots and PEC holders to complete an AMSA accident or incident report

(form 18 or 19) as per the AMSA website http://www.amsa.gov.au/forms/index.asp.

Recreational vessels must report all incidents and accidents to the Department of Transport

(DOT) WA as per the DOT website http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/imarine/19131.asp.

1.2. PORT PARAMETERS

1.2.1. Port parameters are published for individual terminal operations and include those listed for

Pilbara Iron, Woodside and Mermaid Marine. Included in these port parameters are pilotage,

pilot berthing instructions, berthing drafts, sailing drafts, weather and towage restrictions.

Dampier Port Authority has approved these parameters as follows:

Pilbara Iron Terminal Handbook, Version 1:08 Revision 3 of 28 September 2008.

Woodside Energy MSPMS Pilotage & Port Operations Procedures, Revision 7 January

2009.

Mermaid Marine Port Handbook, Original Document of 12 October 2010.

1.2.2. Each „Pilotage Service Provider‟ operates according to individual Safety Management

Systems approved by DPA.

1.2.3. Current Port Parameters are also contained at the DPA web site on www.dpa.wa.gov.au

1.3. COMPULSORY PILOTAGE

Pilotage within Dampier port limits is compulsory for the following vessels:

Any vessel over 150 gross registered tonnes (GRT) or if engaged in towing, the combined GRT

of tug and tow together exceeding 150 GRT.

Commercial fishing vessels over 35 metres Length Overall (LOA)

1. A reference to a thing used, or capable of being used, in navigation by water, and includes a

reference to:

a) An air-cushion vehicle, seaplane or other similar craft; or

b) A barge, lighter or other floating structure used for commercial purposes other than a

structure of a class or kind prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph.

2. A thing can be a vessel for the purposes of this Act:

a) No matter how it is moved or propelled; and

b) Even if it is normally stationary.

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1.4. EXEMPTIONS FROM COMPULSORY PILOTAGE

The following categories of vessels shall be exempt from compulsory pilotage:

Australian Defence Force vessels other than those used primarily to transport troops, fuel,

stores or equipment.

A vessel used for commercial fishing that is registered in Australia and has a length overall not

greater than 35 m;

Vessels less than 150 GRT. This includes the combined GRT of tug and tow.

Vessels that:

o Are under the command of an exempt master and may be moved under cover of the

exempt master‟s „Pilotage Exemption Certificate‟ (PEC),

o Are being led by another vessel under the control of a pilot in the circumstances outlined at

Port Authorities Regulation 40, and

o Are for the convenience of shipping in the Port or because the vessel is engaged in

dredging operations, exempted by the Harbourmaster from using pilotage services.

1.5. PILOTAGE EXEMPTIONS

Masters and Mates of specific vessels for minor terminals subject to compulsory pilotage within

Dampier Port limits may apply for and be issued with Pilotage Exemption Certificates for the area or

specified parts of the area, subject to their fitness and qualification both by examination and

experience within the Port – figure 1, page 4 refers.

1.6. USE OF PILOT EXEMPTION CERTIFICATES

Masters of Vessels over 150GRT that wish to operate within the Port of Dampier must either have a

licensed pilot on board or hold a valid Pilot Exemption Certificate (PEC). Under the Port Regulations

vessels must not navigate within the pilotage area where the mate or second mate holds a valid PEC

and the master does not. A licensed pilot will be required for the vessel to manoeuvre as the PEC

holder is unable to act as a pilot.

1.7. REVOKING PILOTAGE EXEMPTION

Pilotage Exemption Certificates may be revoked if considered justified by the Harbourmaster. In this

event, the holder would have a right of appeal to the Dampier Port Authority.

1.8. PILOTAGE SERVICE PROVIDERS

Pilotage services within the Port are licensed by DPA in the form of a pilotage provider‟s licence

issued under the terms of the Port Authorities Regulations 2001 (WA) division 3. Pilotage services

are provided by Woodside Energy Ltd, Pilbara Iron Pty Ltd and Argonaut Marine Solutions.

2. SCOPE

These pilot directions provide guidance to masters and pilots of commercial vessels intending to operate

vessels within the Dampier Port Authority waters.

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3. REFERENCES

Hensen, H. 2003, Tug Use in Port, 2nd

edn, The Nautical Institute, London.

Port Authorities Act 1999 (WA) No. 22 of 1999, State Law Publisher,

Port Authorities Regulations (WA), State Law Publisher,

AMSA Marine Notice 7/2009 Bridge Resource Management (BRM) and Torres Strait Pilotage

Marine Guidance note MGN (M+F) Interference with safe navigation through inappropriate use of mobile

phones. (Published October 2005)

4. PILOTAGE & TOWAGE

4.1. PORT LIMITS

4.1.1. Gazetted Port Limits are shown at Appendix B.

4.1.2. Charts AUS 57 and AUS 58 depict Dampier Port Limits.

4.1.3. Port Limits were last amended in 2006 and may be adjusted from time to time.

4.2. PILOT BOARDING LOCATIONS

4.2.1. Masters are to exercise extreme caution in positioning their vessels while waiting on or

disembarking their pilot and must make due allowance for wind and tide.

4.2.2. The Mermaid Sound (northerly approach to Port) primary pilot boarding ground is to NNW

of Sea buoy. Vessels waiting for a pilot must not approach Sea buoy or depart from the

pecked box area depicted on AUS chart 58 as the departure route must remain clear for

deep draft vessels leaving the Port.

4.2.3. In Mermaid Sound the secondary pilotage boarding area is to the East of the Woodside

Channel in approximate position 20° 30.5‟S 116° 44.0‟E. Generally smaller cargo vessels

bound for the BLB or DCW and highly maneuverable vessels (HMV‟s) will be advised by

the pilots to approach the secondary pilot boarding ground.

4.2.4. In Mermaid Strait (westerly approach to Port) the primary and only pilot

boarding/disembarkation area is adjacent to Channel Reef or in position 20° 38.5‟S 116°

38.6‟E

4.3. PILOT DISEMBARKATION LOCATIONS

4.3.1. In Mermaid Sound the primary pilot disembarkation point for deep draft vessels is north of

Sea buoy and in all cases the pilot must remain onboard until the vessel is clear of all

shipping and navigation hazards and has shaped up on its departure track. The Pilot must

remain onboard all vessels limited in their ability to manoeuvre, such as vessels engaged

in a towing operation or affected by equipment deficiencies, until seaward of Sea Buoy.

4.3.2. In Mermaid Sound the secondary pilot disembarkation point for vessels not engaged in

towing operations or similarly encumbered is opposite Courtney Head but this early pilot

disembarkation can only be employed under special circumstances and where:

The master confirms that he has been sufficiently briefed and is confident of taking their

vessel on a northerly heading between past the Sea Buoy to effect departure without

any foreseeable requirement to alter course until clear of the Port. Such a situation

might arise when the weather outside the Port is too rough for safe disembarkation by

pilot launch.

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The vessel has no equipment deficiency.

There is no shipping entering or leaving the Port likely to present any close quarter‟s

situation – if a second vessel is likely to come within two miles of the outward bound

vessel during its departure then the pilot must remain on board until the vessel has

shaped up on its departure track from Sea buoy.

The vessel has established good communications with Port Communications and with

any vessel intending to enter or leave the Port during the vessel‟s passage through

Mermaid Sound.

Disabled vessel within Port Limits or port approaches shall where ever possible be

boarded by an appropriate licensed pilot who will provide expert marine advice and local

knowledge to the Master and effective communications to the DPA.

4.4. TOWAGE

4.4.1. With expanding project construction in the region, increasing numbers of barges and hoses

will transit the port waters. Appropriate lights and shapes must be exhibited at all times and

exempt masters must await permission from Port Communications before commencing any

port transit. Tows must remain well clear of all deep draft shipping operations.

4.4.2. All masters of towing vessels are required to contact Dampier Port Communications before

commencing the tow within the Port, or if entering the Port, at least four hours before being

abreast of Sea buoy in Mermaid Sound or at Northwest Reefs when entering via Mermaid

Strait. The master must report the name of the vessel and the towed vessel, the intended

route and final destination within the port.

4.4.3. Masters of towing vessels will be required to wait off the applicable Port entrance or at the

place of departure within the port if the tow will conflict with a large ship operation/s at any

segment of the towage transit within port limits.

4.4.4. Appropriate towage day marks or lights as required by the Collision Regulations are to be

displayed on all vessels engaged in towing and on towed vessels. Towed items such as

loading hoses are difficult to see from other vessels by day and impossible by night.

4.4.5. Tows where an approved Dampier Pilot is employed may move within the Port at any time

provided that the Pilot carrying out the tow has obtained a current vessel traffic briefing

from Port Communications, remains well clear of deep draft shipping, and has established

clear communications with other Pilots and Exempt Masters moving within the Port.

4.4.6. Oil rigs and other large vessels being towed into the port will require a licensed pilot.

These movements will only be carried out during daylight hours and in agreed weather

parameters except with the express permission of the Harbour Master.

4.4.7. A licensed pilot will be required for all barge movements which require the assistance of

more than one tug into and out of a berth regardless of the length of the tow.

4.4.8. A licensed pilot will be required for all towage movements where the combined length of

the two vessels is greater than 120 meters.

4.4.9. For further information on Towage Guidelines for the Port of Dampier please consult

Appendix 1 of the Argonaut Marine Client Information Pack . This can also be viewed at

www.amgmarine.com.au/

4.5. VESSELS TOWING LOADING HOSES.

4.5.1. Dampier supports the offshore oil production industry and loading hoses are customarily

towed through the Port for maintenance and inspection. Colregs Rule 24 states: „…Where

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from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel or object being towed to exhibit the

lights or shapes prescribed in paragraph (e) or (g) of this Rule, all possible measures shall

be taken to light the vessel or object towed or at least to indicate the presence of such

vessel or object‟.

4.6. ESCORT TOWAGE

4.6.1. Escort towage is practised from the Rio Tinto and Woodside berths for deep draft and/or

high risk vessels, plus for vessels departing the present BLB and proposed Pluto berths at

a broad angle to the Pilbara Iron deep draft departure channel. Hensen (2003) writes that

escort towage training should permit tug masters and Pilots to understand the limitations

and capabilities of their available tugs in the escort mode. Planning for escort towage (with

the exception of an emergency response situation) should involve the Pilot, the tug Master

and Master of the escorted vessel.

4.7. RESTRICTED VISIBILITY AND TRAFFIC CONGESTION.

4.7.1. In the event of visibility falling below 2 miles or traffic congestion occurring or likely to occur

within the Port, the Pilot boarding position for all vessels entering Mermaid Sound will be at

the primary Pilot boarding area as described in 4.2.2.

4.7.2. Should the visibility reduce to less than half a mile, shipping movements will continue only

at the Harbour Master‟s discretion.

4.7.3. Fog within the Port generally lasts a few hours and first indications of fog may appear over

the Withnell Bay flare tower. Pilots and Pilot Exemption Certificate (PEC) holders must be

prepared to markedly reduce speed in the event of reduced visibility and to anchor if

necessary to ensure navigational safety. Precautions such as placing an officer on the

forecastle with a hand held radio, and posting additional lookouts might be considered. Port

Communications must be kept informed of all shipping movements and alterations to Port

transit plans.

4.7.4. Traffic congestion within the port is increasing with growth in deep draft shipping, offshore

oil and gas support vessels and other project vessel movements within the Port.

4.8. DEPARTING DEEP DRAFT VESSELS RIGHT OF WAY

4.8.1. At all times, departing deep draft vessels must be afforded right of way until they are gone

and clear from Dampier Port Limits.

4.8.2. From Colregs 1, a „…vessel constrained by her draught means a power-driven vessel

which, because of her draught in relation to the available depth and width of navigable

water, is severely restricted in her ability to deviate from the course she is following‟.

4.8.3. And: „…Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper

and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the

prevailing circumstances and conditions.‟

4.8.4. And: “…Action taken to avoid collision with another vessel shall be such as to result in

passing at a safe distance. The effectiveness of the action shall be carefully checked until

the other vessel is finally past and clear‟.

4.8.5. And:

‘…A vessel which, by any of these Rules, is required not to impede the passage or safe

passage of another vessel shall, when required by the circumstances of the case, take

early action to allow sufficient sea room for the safe passage of the other vessel.

1 From AMSA Marine Order 30 „Prevention of collisions‟, Issue 8 order no. 5 of 2009, accessed at Marine

orders currently in force

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A vessel required not to impede the passage or safe passage of another vessel is not

relieved of this obligation if approaching the other vessel so as to involve risk of collision

and shall, when taking action, have full regard to the action which may be required by

the Rules of this part.

A vessel the passage of which is not to be impeded remains fully obliged to comply with

the Rules of this part when the two vessels are approaching one another so as to

involve risk of collision‟.

4.8.6. And: „…A vessel constrained by her draught shall navigate with particular caution having

full regard to her special condition‟.

4.8.7. And: „…A vessel constrained by her draught may, in addition to the lights prescribed for

power- driven vessels in Rule 23, exhibit where they can best be seen three all-round red

lights in a vertical line, or a cylinder‟.

4.9. VESSELS CROSSING DEEP DRAFT VESSEL CHANNELS.

4.9.1. Colregs Rule 9 Narrow Channels part (d) requires that: “…A vessel shall not cross a

narrow channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can

safely navigate only within such channel or fairway. The latter vessel may use the sound

signal prescribed in Rule 34(d) if in doubt as to the intention of the crossing vessel.

4.10. AUTHORISED COMMUNICATIONS

4.10.1. Pilots and Pilot Exempt Masters must maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 11 when

approaching or within Dampier Port Limits. Dampier Port Authority (Call Dampier Port

Communications) is the first and primary point of contact for all marine traffic on VHF

channels 11 & 16, for vessels operating near and within Dampier port limits.

4.10.2. Other port users are:

Hamersley Iron (Call sign Hamersley Iron Base) monitors VHF 11 and 16, and Pilots

use VHF Ch.13 and and Ch.68.

Woodside (Call sign Woodside Radio or for supply boats Marine Admin) monitors VHF

11 and 16, and 82. Woodside Pilots use VHF Ch.82.

Mermaid Marine (Call sign VKW567 Mermaid Base) monitors VHF 11 and 16, and

working channel is 10.

Ships‟ Agents monitor VHF Ch. 11 and 16, and generally use VHF Ch. 74.

4.10.3. All Pilots and Pilot Exempt Masters must call „Dampier Port Communications‟ and inform

the duty Port Liaison Officer (PLO) of intended movements within the Port or prior to

entering either Mermaid Sound or Mermaid Strait.

4.10.4. All commercial vessels intending to enter Dampier Port limits must give at least one hour‟s

prior notice and pass estimated time of arrival (ETA) to Dampier Port Communications.

Anchor position or Pilot boarding time will be confirmed during this exchange.

4.10.5. All masters of vessels over 150 GRT holding a valid PEC must quote their PEC number to

Dampier Port Communications for verification and logging each time their vessel enters,

maneuvers within or departs the port.

4.10.6. All vessels over 500 GRT must declare their security level status and last port, and

Dampier Port Communications will respond with the Port‟s current MARSEC level plus

other relevant information.

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4.10.7. Pilots, Pilot Exempt Masters and Masters of vessels, where applicable, entering & leaving

the Port must report when passing abeam of either Sea Buoy in Mermaid Sound and North

West Reefs and Channel Reef in Mermaid Strait.

4.10.8. Inbound vessels under pilotage must also report when passing abeam of specified land

marks or positions as designated by the Harbour Master from time to time.

4.10.9. Pilots and Pilot Exempt Masters wishing to sail, enter or move within port limits must state

their intentions to Dampier Port Communications before so doing, and should be provided

with or may request information of other vessel movements that might affect their transit.

4.10.10. All vessels must advise “First line, (berthing) and Last line”, (departing) times to Dampier

Port Communications.

4.10.11. DPA‟s functions are aimed at preventing vessel collisions, groundings and close quarters

situations within the port approaches, harbour and deep draft channel phases of

navigation. They are also intended to maximise safety, expedite ship movements, increase

transportation system and logistical effectiveness, and improve all-weather operating

capability. An Automatic Identification System (AIS) is integrated into DPA‟s operations.

4.10.12. Dampier Port Communications operation relies on position reports via VHF channel 11

from vessels approaching, transiting or departing the Port and reciprocal navigational

safety information supplied by the DPA PLO.

4.10.13. All Port of Dampier navigational VHF, land telephone and AIS events are recorded by

DPA‟s electronic system.

4.11. REPORTS TO HARBOUR MASTER IN DPA’S PILOTAGE AREA

4.11.1. Pilots and PEC holders who observe any significant alterations in the depths within Port

Limits or approaches or an altered position of buoys marking the navigable channels, or

that any navigation marks do not display their charted characteristic, are required to report

the fact without delay to Dampier Port Communications.

4.11.2. Masters of vessels who are aware of any condition or circumstance that renders a vessel

unseaworthy and therefore may impact upon the safe navigation of the vessel, or any other

vessel in the port or the environment shall immediately notify the Harbour Master.

4.11.3. Pilots or PEC holders must immediately report any collisions, groundings, close quarter

situations and any other concerns relating to safety of navigation to DPA. As well, any

Master whose vessel has touched the ground or has been in collision or a close quarters

situation with any other ship or any fixed or floating object shall report such occurrence to

AMSA and DPA as soon as possible, and again in writing within 72 hours (on the form

prescribed by AMSA) to AMSA, with copies of relevant incident report forms to DPA.

Additionally, in accordance with the Port‟s Safety Management System, Master‟s are

required to report to DPA any concerns they may have regarding safety of navigation in the

port by forwarding a generic Company Incident Report form.

4.11.4. Following a marine incident and separate to the primary State or Federal Regulatory

Authority investigation, DPA may require PEC holders to attend the Harbour Master‟s

Office to show cause why their PEC should not be cancelled.

4.11.5. If, following an appropriate inquiry by Dampier Port Authority the Pilot or PEC holder is

found to be responsible for a marine casualty or serious incident or has contravened the

Dampier pilotage regulations, DPA may suspend or revoke the certificate subject to

informing the Pilot or PEC holder in writing of their intention to do so under Section 57 of

the Port Authorities Regulations 2001 (WA). The Pilot or PEC holder must then return his

suspended or revoked certificate to DPA within 14 days whether or not the person intends

to appeal.

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4.12. INAPPROPRIATE USE OF MOBILE PHONES

4.12.1. Both nationally and internationally there is growing concern that the use of mobile phones

at inappropriate times, is distracting Bridge Management Teams from their primary duties

of navigating and conning their vessel. AMSA marine notice 7/2009 emphasises the

importance of Bridge Resource Management BRM especially under pilotage. A UK

Marine Guidance Note 299 notes that such activity is liable to distract the attention of

bridge personnel when full attention should be devoted to the safe and efficient navigation

of the vessel.

4.12.2. Dampier Port Authority requires Pilots and Pilot exempt Masters to refrain from making or

accepting mobile phone calls at critical phases of ship navigation, and at other times to

minimise mobile phone use to essential commercial or safety matters.

5. STANDARDS AND CRITERIA FOR PILOTAGE EXEMPTION

CERTIFICATES

5.1. APPLICATION FOR A PILOTAGE EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE (PEC)

5.1.1. Masters and First Mates of vessels to which this section applies may apply for and be

issued with a Pilotage Exemption Certificate for the area, or specified parts of the pilotage

area, subject to their fitness and qualifications both by experience and examination.

5.1.2. Experience and Qualifications:

The Master or First Mate of a vessel applying for a Pilotage Exemption Certificate shall

satisfy DPA as to their experience in the pilotage area by completing a minimum

number of acts of pilotage and assessment / familiarisation acts within the last six

months. At least two inwards and two outwards transits must be during the hours of

darkness.

For the act of pilotage to be accepted for a transit in the hours of darkness the passage

must commence no less than half an hour after sunset or no less than one hour before

sunrise.

Minimum number of transits prior to sitting for the exemption test shall be five arrivals

and five departures, with berthing and departure at appropriate terminals and / or bases.

The maximum number of transits that will be accepted in one operation or 24 hour

period will be two arrivals and departures.

Masters of vessels which access the Port of Dampier only via Mermaid Strait will be

issued with an exemption which will be restricted to Mermaid Strait and a line south of

20 degrees 35 Minutes south (see appendix C). The restricted PEC holder will not be

able to transit Mermaid Sound until the required number of pre requisite trips has been

completed and a further examination is undertaken.

Masters applying for exemption must have a Pilot for the approved number of transits

into and out of the port however First Mates applying for exemption must experience the

requisite number of transits whilst on duty upon the bridge while the vessel was under

the control of either an exempt Master or a Pilot.

Applications for Pilotage Exemption may be made by persons holding a Master Class 1

or Master Class 2 certificate of competency under the Navigation Act (Cwth) or a Master

class 3 or Master Class 4 certificate of competency under the Marine Act (WA) (Refer to

SHEQ-SYS-F-036 Application for Pilotage Exemption Form)

Applications must contain a record of experience within the Port including:

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o Vessel‟s name,

o LOA and GRT, and

o Times and dates when vessel was so moved.

Applicants must produce evidence that they meet the medical and eyesight

requirements of AMSA Marine Orders Part 9 or overseas equivalent, i.e. those foreign

nationals whose certificates of competency are recognised by AMSA.

Applicants must be eligible to reside permanently in Australia under an Act of the

Commonwealth.

5.1.3. Pilot Exemption Certificates for masters of vessels greater than 85 meters in length other

than highly manoeuvrable vessels

Masters must comply with the conditions for a Pilot Exemption Certificate set out in

5.1.2.

Additionally Masters will be required to undergo minimum of 2 check runs (one in and

one out) with a licenced pilot and the Harbour Master or his delegate. Check runs will be

required until an assessment of competency is made by the pilot and the Harbour

Master in the same way that a pilot is assessed as competent prior to being issued with

a licence or moving up in level of licence. This is to ensure that the master is not only

proficient in the handling of the vessel but also with the local conditions and tugs.

5.1.4. All tug Masters providing towage services in the Port of Dampier must meet all of the

requirements of the PEC as per this section. To maintain the currency of the PEC the Tug

Masters must call in their PEC number to Dampier Port Communications at least once

every swing.

5.1.5. Masters of vessels employed in port operations such as Hydrographic surveys, pipe laying,

pile driving and dredging operations and who comply with all qualification requirements are

exempt from compulsory pilotage for their vessel upon satisfactorily completing a local

knowledge examination to the satisfaction of the DPA Harbour Master.

5.2. CONDITIONS RELATED TO THE EXAMINATION, ISSUE AND RENEWAL OF A PILOTAGE EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE

5.2.1. Examinations shall be held in such places and at such times as the Harbour Master may

direct. If a candidate fails the examination, a re-examination will not normally be scheduled

within one month. If a candidate twice fails to pass the examination, any further

examination shall be deferred for a period of at least 3 months from the date of the second

examination. Practical onboard assessments of the candidate will be required in addition to

the examination as follows:

Assessment trips may be undertaken with either:

o an authorised Dampier pilot or o an authorised PEC holder for the vessel for which the PEC is sought.

The PEC candidate will be responsible for ensuring that the form of assessment is

completed by the assessor and is forwarded to the Harbourmaster with photocopies of

all documentary evidence of qualification and medical status.

The examination will be conducted by the Harbour Master, his deputy, or an authorised

Dampier pilot.

5.2.2. Candidates for a Pilotage Exemption Certificate shall be required to produce a current

AMSA medical certificate or equivalent.

5.2.3. Certificates shall be uniquely numbered and shall include the name and description of each

vessel and class or type of vessel that the certificate holder is authorised to pilot in the

pilotage area.

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5.2.4. Certificate holders shall not allow any other person to have possession, or make improper

use of the Pilot Exemption Certificate.

5.2.5. Certificate holders shall conform strictly to all local pilotage requirements.

5.3. PEC VALIDITY

5.3.1. Upon application for renewal, candidates will be required to produce updated written

medical and eyesight evidence at intervals specified in accordance with the normal

requirements for marine officers in the country in which their vessel is registered.

5.3.2. If an exempt master does not move a vessel under the authority of his PEC for a period of

six months, the PEC expires at the end of that period.

5.3.3. It is the responsibility of all PEC Masters and First Mates to call Dampier Port

Communications on VHF channel 11 at arrival or departure with names and PEC numbers

of those on duty upon the bridge during the transit, for their certificates to be revalidated on

DPA‟s data base. Maintaining PEC currency is a personal responsibility.

5.3.4. The number of trips required to renew an expired exemption will continue to be assessed

on a case by case basis by the Harbour Master. This assessment will take into account

the length of time since the PEC has expired and the experience of the PEC holder. At a

minimum the requirement for revalidation will be two trips in and out and at least one each

way during the hours of darkness.

5.4. SYLLABUS FOR PILOTAGE EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION

5.4.1. Applicants for a Pilotage Exemption Certificate are to familiarise themselves with the

following general local knowledge subjects:

The limits of the Dampier Port Authority Pilotage area as defined in the attachment,

Vessels exempt from compulsory pilotage in the area,

Pilot boarding places – location and details of vessels using them,

Reporting points for vessels inward and outward throughout and adjacent to the Port,

and

Candidates require a satisfactory knowledge Dampier Local Marine Notices, Notices to

Mariners and marine emergency procedures in force with respect to the pilotage area

for which a Pilotage Exemption Certificate is sought.

Candidates must be familiar with the communications and vessel traffic procedures

within the pilotage area.

Duties of a Pilotage Exemption Certificate holder

Candidates must have a satisfactory working knowledge of the English language.

5.4.2. Applicants‟ general navigation knowledge requirements will include the application to

pilotage of:

International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea;

International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) Maritime Buoyage System A

General principles and rules;

Appropriate Port of Dampier Bye-Laws, Regulations and Directions for Navigating in the

Pilotage area;

Communication procedures and protocols;

AMSA Marine Orders relating to pilotage; and

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Relevant Local Marine Notices affecting the DPA pilotage area.

5.4.3. The candidate‟s familiarisation with the Port will be determined by his ability to demonstrate

local knowledge including:

Coastal features.

Name of the channels, anchorages and fairways including those available in an

emergency.

The names of headlands, points and shoals in the area.

Clearing marks for shoals and points visually by day or night and by radar.

The approximate effective width of the various channels.

The fairway courses and distances in the area.

The depths of water throughout the area, particularly at shoals, terminal approaches

and where the vessel might safely depart from the main fairways in the Port.

The use of sounding equipment and anticipated minimum under keel clearances along

customary passage routes.

The set, rate, rise and duration of the tides and the use of Tide Tables for the Port.

General direction of tidal streams and strongest rates and directions predicted at key

locations.

Passage planning and critical areas of navigation.

Traffic movement and patterns including any holding, anchorage or passing places for

large vessels within the port.

Areas of recreational craft activity, yacht racing and water ski areas.

Typical passage times for large vessels on passage in the port. e.g. transit time for deep

draft vessels, tankers etc. between the Parker Point, East Intercourse Island, Service

Wharf, Bulk Liquids Berth, Pluto Terminal and Withnell Bay Terminals and the Sea

Buoy.

Names of wharves, jetties and berths of special significance to the PEC holder and

knowledge of their associated berthing/unberthing manoeuvres and limitations in both

normal situations and in an emergency.

The names and characteristics of lights, their ranges and arcs of visibility.

The names and characteristics of buoys, beacons, lead lights and wave rider buoys.

Position of radar and AIS navmarks.

Radar aid to navigation and the use of parallel indexing.

The names of the anchorages, positions, use and limitations.

Restricted areas and zones.

Ship handling characteristics of own vessel, squat and interaction with other vessels (if applicable).

Limitations and restriction of other vessels requiring special consideration, including

knowledge of deep draft vessels designated clear channel status in the Rio Tinto

Channel plus LNG/Crude Oil tankers in the Woodside and Pluto Channels.

Tug operations (if applicable) plus appropriate communications and safety precautions.

Capabilities of tugs based in the port.

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Local emergency plans and procedures (i.e. relevant Terminal‟s Emergency Response

Plan and Oil Spill Contingency Plan, etc).

Any other relevant information at the discretion of the Examiner/s.

5.4.4. All examinations will be conducted in the English language, including re-examinations.

6. ETA’S AND ETD’S

6.1. ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL (ETA) AT PILOT BOARDING STATION

6.1.1. Vessels bound for Dampier and requiring the services of a pilot on arrival shall give

Dampier Port Communications, agents and the appropriate terminal operators at least 24

hours advance notification, including the ship‟s estimated time of arrival, maximum draft

and destination within the pilotage area.

6.1.2. Dampier Port Communications may be passed this information through normal ship agency

channels, or by telephone on (08) 9159 6556, fax (08) 9159 6558 and email:

portcomms@dpa.wa.gov.au

6.1.3. A further estimated time of arrival shall be sent direct by VHF channel 11 (call sign

Dampier Port Communications) no later than 3 hours before arrival at the pilot boarding

point, and VHF contact maintained for updates or variation to the ETA.

6.2. ADVICE RE DEPARTURES

6.2.1. Departing vessels or vessels moving within the Dampier Pilotage area that have booked

the services of a pilot shall give relevant Pilots at least 3 hours notice of their estimated

time of departure (ETD).

6.2.2. If pilotage involving a tow is required (e.g. oil rigs) maximum advance notice is required to

ensure that suitable facilities and traffic management planning can be arranged.

6.3. BOARDING & DISEMBARKATION OF PILOTS IN ADVERSE WEATHER

CONDITIONS

6.3.1. Pilot boats will only put to sea when their services can be performed safely – when weather

conditions are marginal this may entail having the ship follow the pilot boat under the Pilot‟s

instruction until weather conditions have abated sufficiently or sufficient shelter is obtained

for the Pilot to board.

6.3.2. During adverse weather, Masters should confirm with Dampier Port Communications on

VHF 11 that their pilot is en route to their vessel (by either helicopter or pilot boat) before

an attempt is made to approach the boarding station.

6.3.3. Under all circumstances, it is essential for Masters to give timely advance notice of their

need for Pilot services.

6.4. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ETA / ETD REQUIREMENTS

6.4.1. Vessels failing to provide an ETA or ETD, and in the required format, may be delayed in

the event of a pilot not being available.

6.4.2. In the case of vessels that have given an ETA / ETD and where a pilot has boarded, if a

subsequent delay is caused by the vessel beyond 30 minutes other than for navigational

and weather considerations, an ETA / ETD detention surcharge may be applied to the cost

of pilotage for that vessel, (for details refer to relevant terminal pilotage rates).

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6.5. THE USE OF A SECOND PILOT

6.5.1. Tankers when using escort towage to Sea buoy and exceeding 60,000 DWT, may, subject

to appropriate assessment, be required to carry an assistant who is also an authorised

pilot.

6.5.2. Bulk cargo vessels, vessels with special requirements or those using escort towage to Sea

buoy may, subject to appropriate assessment, be required to carry an assistant who is also

an authorised pilot.

6.5.3. On all vessels a second Pilot who is also an authorised pilot may be required due to

peculiarities of ship construction, for example shortened bridge wings or lack of centreline

compass, or defects in critical navigational equipment such as gyro or radar.

6.5.4. On all vessels a second Pilot who is also an authorised pilot may be required where the

deck cargo severely reduces the visibility from the bridge.

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APPENDIX A - DAMPIER PORT LIMITS

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APPENDIX B - RESTRICTED PILOT EXEMPTION AREA

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APPENDIX C - APPLICATION PILOT EXEMPTION WORKFLOW