Guidelines and regulations
Safety Guidelines
The vessel to be piloted must comply with internationally agreed operational and safety recommendations for pilotage. In addition, Finnpilot’s own service terms define the safe conditions for the pilot’s embarkation and disembarkation.
Help us perform our work safely
The transfer of a pilot from the pilot boat to the vessel, or vice versa, is the most hazardous phase of pilotage operations. Ensuring the occupational safety of the pilot boat crew and the pilot requires close cooperation between the vessel’s crew and the pilot. Following these guidelines improves safety at work and ensures that pilotage proceeds safely under all conditions:
- The VHF channel and the pilot boarding position should be agreed well in advance of the pilot’s arrival. Make sure the same VHF channel is used both on the vessel and the pilot boat, and that the hailer works reliably.
- Pilot ladders must be installed in a stable and unobstructed location, as close to midship as possible. Check the condition and fastening of the ladders before the pilot’s arrival. See more information about pilot ladders below.
- Maintain the agreed speed and course during the transfer. Do not change the turning direction until the pilot boat has moved a safe distance away from the vessel.
- Any boarding or disembarkation points that differ from the standard pilot stations must be agreed upon clearly and precisely.
- The vessel’s crew must be aware of the pilot boarding or disembarkation and ready to assist in case of exceptional situations.
Positioning of pilot ladders
Pilot ladders must be positioned as follows:
- on the vessel’s lee side
- as close to midship as possible
- the ladder steps should be approximately 1.5 meters above the waterline.
- in winter, ensure they do not freeze – so not too early.
Finnpilot’s service terms define the safe conditions for the pilot’s boarding and disembarkation.
You can find more detailed information on the positioning of pilot ladders in our brochure How to order a pilot in Finland.
Winter requires careful advance planning and compliance with vessel requirements.
Winter conditions, especially the thick ice cover that forms in the north, bring specific challenges: ice conditions, assistance restrictions, and variable weather affect vessel navigation and the organization of pilotage.
Pilotage services are based on the Pilotage Act and official regulations that emphasize safety. In winter, this means, among other things:
- Compliance with ice class regulations:
The vessel’s structure, engine power, and equipment must be sufficient for independent navigation in ice. - Observing assistance restrictions:
If the vessel is not entitled to icebreaker assistance, an approved assistance plan is required. - Safe pilot boarding arrangements:
A pilot will not board the vessel if the boarding arrangements do not comply with international requirements or if conditions compromise safety. - Accuracy of advance notifications and orders:
In winter conditions, schedule management is critical to ensure pilotage can be carried out as planned. - Lighting requirements and draught assessments:
Proper vessel lighting and accurate determination of draught are especially important in winter.
Finnpilot always assesses the conditions and may refuse pilotage if the safety of the vessel or the pilot cannot be ensured.
Finnpilot provides Baltic Sea pilotage services for vessels navigating outside Finland’s compulsory pilotage area during winter conditions. This service is aimed especially at vessels that are not accustomed to operating in demanding weather or ice conditions, or that wish to strengthen bridge competence in the challenging conditions of the Baltic Sea with a local expert.