Welcome to DoTBot, an AI chatbot that the Department of Transport (DoT) is trialling.

DoTBot is designed to answer your questions and help you find information on our website.

Its answers are not legal advice or substitutes for professional advice.

By opening the chatbot you are agreeing to these terms:

  1. DoT cannot guarantee that the information provided by the AI chatbot is error free, complete, and appropriate for your purposes.

  2. You will verify any responses it provides before relying on it.

  3. DoT accepts no liability for any loss, damage or injury resulting from any person's use of the chatbot or reliance on its information.

    4. The chatbot may collect personal information for improving the user experience (see DoT's Privacy Policy). Please avoid sharing Personally Identifiable Information when using this chatbot.

Close
Open DoTBot
Home > Marine > Commercial vessels > Marine pilot licences

Marine pilot licences

Find out about marine pilot licences, including how to qualify, how to apply, when they expire, and how to get an exemption.

A marine pilot is an experienced seafarer with extensive local knowledge who assists a vessel master with the safe navigation of their vessel.

The Department of Transport (DoT) licenses marine pilots for ports gazetted under the Shipping and Pilotage Act 1967.

To be eligible to apply for a marine pilot licence, you must:

  • hold a current certificate of competency
  • have satisfactorily completed an approved training course
  • have completed trips acting as a pilot under the direct supervision of a licensed marine pilot
  • have adequate skill and knowledge of the relevant pilotage area.  
Show all

Apply for a marine pilot licence

To apply for a marine pilot licence, you will need to submit the following:

  • completed marine pilot licence application form (below)
  • 2 passport size photographs
  • copy of your certificate of competency
  • log book of pilotage experience
  • curriculum vitae showing your maritime training and experience
  • health certificate
  • evidence of satisfactorily completing an approved marine pilot training course.

You will also be required to pay a registration fee.

Ensure that all documentation is clearly labelled and typed in Arial size 12 font. You may use the approved log book or provide your own provided it contains all the details required.

Submit your application by mail to:

Harbour Master
Maritime, Department of Transport
GPO Box C102
Perth WA 6839

Marine pilot licence applications are assessed and approved by DoT.

Allow at least 2 weeks for processing of your application.

Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Renew your marine pilot licence

Marine pilot licences are valid for 5 years.

You are responsible for ensuring your licence is current.

To renew your current licence, you must submit your renewal application at least 28 days prior to the expiry date on your marine pilot licence card.

How to renew

To renew your marine pilot licence, you will need to submit the following:

  • completed marine pilot licence renewal form (below)
  • 2 passport photographs
  • copy of your certificate of competency
  • log book of pilotage experience
  • health certificate
  • evidence of satisfactorily completing an approved marine pilot training course.

You will also need to pay a renewal fee.

Submit your application by mail to:

Harbour Master,
Marine Safety, Department of Transport,
GPO Box C102,
Perth WA 6839

Marine pilot licence fees

Marine pilot licence fees

Fee type Fee
Marine Pilots, Pilot appointments $611.10
Marine Pilots, Renewals (5 yearly) $395.30
Marine Pilots, Licence replacement $223.50
Page last updated: Tue Aug 6 2024 10:08:23 AM