The Admiralty Pilotage Service is geared to provide a round the clock service, every day of the year. The Service provides up to 4 Pilots in the core working week with reduced cover overnight and at the weekends.
The Admiralty Pilots are managed by the Chief Admiralty Pilot, on behalf of KHM. The Chief Admiralty Pilot allocates Pilots to individual tasks and assists the Movements Officer in the planning of vessel movements in the Port. The Chief Admiralty Pilot is also available for advice on Pilotage, the use of tugs and vessel manoeuvring within the Port.
The Pilotage Passage Plan Template can be found at the link below.
- Admiralty Pilots of Plymouth
- Pilotage services
Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
- VTS
- Bunkering options
- VTS Dangerous Goods
- Port Information Notification Form
Plymouth Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) is operated from Longroom Port Control Station on a continuous 24-hour basis to provide a safe and efficient regime for vessel traffic, and protection for the environment. Longrooom also provides the co-ordination and communications centre for the Plymouth Admiralty pilotage service, and may be used as a point of contact for Plymouth civil pilotage services.
Plymouth VTS is manned by internationally qualified VTS Officers and operated in accordance with IMO Resolution A.857 (20), MGN 401.
Plymouth VTS provides an information service and Traffic Organisation Service with the authority of the Harbour Master. Failure, without good cause, to obey an instruction given by Plymouth VTS with the purpose of preserving marine safety, protecting the environment or property may constitute an offence.
Bunkering conditions
- Prior approval must be obtained from Longroom Port Control Station.
- Before any transfer of bunkers takes place, the Master or responsible Officer on each vessel must ensure that:
a) Scuppers are properly sealed, adequate drip trays are in position under bunker hose connections, and all precautions have been taken to prevent overside discharge.
b) The bunker hose joints and connections to ship's manifold are soundly made; the bunker hose is of adequate length, properly supported, and without defect.
c) An agreed system of communications has been established between bunker/tanker and the ship, and provision has been made to continually monitor the operation. - The bunker barge/tanker must have adequate fendering and both vessels must be securely moored.
- The Master/Officer in charge of the receiving vessel must contact Longroom VTS before bunker transfer begins, confirming that all-appropriate checks and precautions have been made. (Both vessels must remain in radio contact with Longroom VTS throughout the transfer.)
- If spillage or accident occurs during bunker transfer, the operation must be stopped and Longroom VTS informed immediately.
- The Master of the bunker barge/tanker must inform Longroom VTS when the operation has been safely completed and all hoses and other gear disconnected.
- Transfer of bunkers will only be permitted if weather and other conditions are considered suitable. The King’s Harbour Master may, at his discretion, order the cessation of the operation and this order must be complied with immediately.
- The King’s Harbour Master cannot accept any responsibility or liability for any cancellation; curtailment or delay of the bunker operation for any reasons whatsoever.
- The King’s Harbour Master or his designated Officer may board the vessels to inspect the bunker transfer arrangements at any time.
- Vessels are to comply at all times with the provisions of the Dangerous Substances in Harbour Area Regulations, 1987 and must exhibit the warning signals required by Section 8, namely:
DAY: A red flag (International Code Flag "B")
NIGHT: An all-round red light, visible 2 miles
Only approved contractor may carry out bunker operations. All non-approved contractors must register with KHM at least 7 days prior to carrying out any bunker operations. - KHM reserves the right to amend or vary all or any of these Conditions from time to time.
Approved bunkering contractors
Companies intending to provide ship-to-ship bunkering services within KHM’s jurisdiction will be required to pre-register as approved bunkering contractors. The registration process will require the Bunkering Contractor to provide KHM with:
- Technical details of the bunkering barges or tankers.
Vessel safety plan
Oil pollution emergency plan
Vessel particulars - Copy of the company's safety policies and bunkering procedures / precautions.Safety Management Certificate
Document of Compliance
Safety Management System – Bunkering Operations
Bunkering operations check lists - The competency of bunker vessel crews.
Crew manning Certificates
KHM will maintain current lists of approved bunkering contractors.