PILOTAGE EXPLAINED
What is a Pilot Station?
Maritime pilots are local navigation experts who board vessels to guide them through difficult, congested, or restricted waterways. They possess intimate knowledge of local tides, currents, hazards, and port procedures that no chart alone can provide.
Pilotage is mandatory in most major ports worldwide. A pilot station is the designated authority and boarding point where pilots meet inbound vessels — coordinating via VHF radio and transferring by launch or helicopter depending on conditions.
VHF Coordination
Vessels contact the pilot station on the designated VHF channel to request boarding.
Pilot Boarding
The pilot transfers from a launch at the designated boarding ground, often miles offshore.
Local Expertise
The pilot takes the conn and guides the vessel safely into port using local knowledge.
MAJOR STATIONS
World's Busiest Pilot Stations
Boarding positions, VHF frequencies, and pilotage requirements for the world's highest-traffic waterways.
Singapore Pilot Station
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Boarding Position
Western Boarding Ground
1°09'N 103°49'E
Operating Hours
24/7
Rotterdam Pilot Station
Dutch Pilot Corporation (LOODSWEZEN)
Boarding Position
Maas Approaches
51°56'N 3°51'E
Operating Hours
24/7
Dover Strait Pilot Station
UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Boarding Position
Dungeness
51°02'N 1°25'E
Operating Hours
24/7
Malacca Strait Pilot Station
Marine Department Malaysia
Boarding Position
One Fathom Bank
2°55'N 101°22'E
Operating Hours
24/7
Panama Canal Pilot Station
Panama Canal Authority (ACP)
Boarding Position
Cristobal / Balboa
Cristobal & Balboa Anchorages
Operating Hours
24/7
1,995+ More Stations
Full global directory with search, filtering by region and pilotage type launching with HeyMariner.
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PILOT DIRECTORY
Full Pilot Station Access
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