3.0 Master Pilot Information Exchange

3.1 The pilot and the master should exchange information regarding the pilot's intentions,

the ship's characteristics and operational parameters as soon as possible after the pilot

has boarded the ship. The ICS Master/Pilot Exchange Forms (Annexes A1 and A2 of

the ICS Bridge Procedures Guide) or the company equivalent format, should be

completed by both the master and pilot to help ensure ready availability of the

information and that nothing is omitted in error.

3.2 The exchange of information regarding pilotage and the passage plan should include

clarification of:

• roles and responsibilities of the master, pilot and other members of the bridge.

management team;

• navigational intentions;

• local conditions including navigational or traffic constraints;

• tidal and current information;

• berthing plan and mooring boat use;

• proposed use of tugs;

• expected weather conditions.

After taking this information into account and comparing the pilot's suggested plan

with that initially developed on board, the pilot and master should agree an overall final

plan early in the passage before the ship is committed. The master should not commit

his ship to the passage until satisfied with the plan. All parties should be aware that

elements of the plan may change.

3.3 Contingency plans should also be made which should be followed in the even of a

malfunction or a shipboard emergency, identifying possible abort points and safe

grounding areas. These should be discussed and agreed between pilot and master

4.0 Duties and Responsibilities

4.1 The pilot, master and bridge personnel share a responsibility for good communications

and mutual understanding of the other's role for the safe conduct of the vessel in

pilotage waters.They should also clarify their respective roles and responsibilities so

that the pilot can be easily and successfully integrated into the normal bridge

management team.

4.2 The pilot's primary duty is to provide accurate information to ensure the safe navigation

of the ship. In practice, the pilot will often con the ship on the master's behalf.

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4.3 The master retains the ultimate responsibility for the safety of his ship. He and his

bridge personnel have a duty to support the pilot and to monitor his actions. This should

include querying any actions or omissions by the pilot (or any other member of the

bridge management team) if inconsistent with the passage plan or if the safety of

the ship is in any doubt.

5.0 Preparation for Pilotage

5.1 The pilot should:

• ensure he is adequately rested prior to an act of pilotage, in good physical and

mental fitness and not under the influence of drugs or alcohol;

• prepare information for incorporation into the ship's passage plan by keeping up to

date with navigational, hydrographic and meteorological information as well as

traffic movements within the pilotage area;

• establish communication with the ship to make arrangements for boarding

5.2 In supporting the pilot, the master and bridge personnel should:

• ensure they are adequately rested prior to an act of pilotage, in good physical and

mental fitness and not under the influence of drugs or alcohol;

• draw upon the preliminary information supplied by the relevant port or pilotage

authority along with published data (e.g. charts, tide tables, light lists, sailing

directions and radio lists) in order to develop a provisional passage plan prior to the

ship's arrival;

• prepare suitable equipment and provide sufficient personnel for embarking the pilot

in a safe and expedient manner;

• establish communications with the pilot station to confirm boarding details