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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.
About marine pilot licences
Marine Pilots are experienced seafarers with extensive local knowledge who assist a vessel Master with the safe navigation of their vessel.
The Department of Transport licenses suitably qualified candidates to act as pilots for ports gazetted under the Shipping and Pilotage Act 1967.
For guidance on the requirements to qualify as a marine pilot for a Shipping and Pilotage Act port please reference the Shipping and Pilotage (Ports and Harbours) Regulations 1966.
| Department of Justice: Shipping and Pilotage (Ports and Harbours) Regulations 1966 (WA) | ||
|---|---|---|
Applying for a marine pilot licence
To apply for a marine pilot licence, you will need to submit the following:
- Marine Pilot Licence Application Form.
- 2 passport 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.
Note:
Please 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.
Please download the application form below:
| Marine pilot licence application form: Initial (commercial vessels) | Kb | |
| Marine pilot licence application form: Renewal (commercial vessels) | Kb | |
Please submit your application to:
| Street address | Postal address | Telephone | Fax | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harbour Master, Marine Safety, Department of Transport, GPO Box C102, Perth WA 6839 |
Applications for Marine Pilot Licenses are assessed by Marine Safety and approved by the Chief Executive Officer. Applicants should allow at least two weeks for a determination on their application.
Please note delays may be experienced if applications are received incomplete or due to staffing availability.
Expiry and renewal
Marine pilot licenses are valid for 5 years. Marine Pilots are responsible for ensuring the currency of their license.
Marine Pilots wishing to renew their current marine pilot must to apply at least 28 days prior to the expiry date as indicated of the pilot license card.
For guidance on the requirements to qualify for a Marine Pilot Licence renewal please reference the Shipping and Pilotage (Ports and Harbours) Regulations 1966.
Marine pilot exemption certificates
The shipping and Pilotage Act 1967 requires vessels of 35 metres or greater to engage the services of a licensed Marine Pilot whilst transiting through port waters.
Vessels Masters who are entitled to reside permanently in Australia and have completed at least 3 inbound and 3 out bound transits through a pilotage area may apply to be exempt from the mandatory pilotage requirement.
As part of the application process the applicant is required to successfully complete a local knowledge exam.
Applicants meeting all the requirements will be issued a Pilot Exemption Certificate (PEC).
Vessel Masters who hold a PEC are expected to operate within the conditions specified on their certificate.
For guidance on eligibility to receive a PEC for a Shipping and Pilotage Act port please reference the Shipping and Pilotage (Ports and Harbours) Regulations 1966.