HC Deb 11 April 1986 vol 95 cc223-4W
Mr. Colvin

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many pilotage exemption certificates covering United Kingdom territorial waters are in existence.

Mr. Ridley

On 31 December 1984, the latest date for which figures are available, 993 pilotage certificates were in force in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Colvin

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish a table showing the range of charges levied by port authorities on holders of pilotage exemption certificates.

Mr. Ridley

In many pilotage districts, the pilotage authority made charges as at 31 December 1984 for the holding or use of pilotage certificates on one of the following bases: a fixed annual fee per vessel, ranging from £3.15 to £100 (in one case, £200 per certificate); a fixed charge per visit or movement, ranging from £5 to £15; or a percentage of the pilotage charge that would otherwise be payable, ranging from 5 per cent. to 33.5 per cent. Districts where no certificates were in force on 31 December 1984 have been excluded from this summary. In some cases charges vary according to the size of the vessel, and in some a maximum number of charges are payable within a given period to time. Most pilotage authorities also make charges for examinaton for certificates, and for their issue, renewal, alteration or transfer.