Earl Greyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether some level of compulsory pilotage should be considered for vessels manned by foreign nationals containing dangerous and noxious cargoes which are transported around our shores and could present a hazard to our coastline and offshore industries.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (The Earl of Caithness)Many vessels, including those carrying dangerous or noxious cargoes, are, depending on their size and trading pattern, at present subject to compulsory pilotage in those pilotage districts (the majority) with compulsory regimes. Masters and mates who are EC nationals or Commonwealth citizens are eligible for pilotage exemption certificates in respect of vessels registered under the law of an EC member state.
The Green Paper on marine pilotage published by the Government in December 1984 included a proposal that the need for compulsory pilotage for vessels carrying dangerous or noxious cargoes should be a matter for harbour authorities to determine in the light of local circumstances. It also proposed that pilotage exemption certificates should be available to all masters and mates (regardless of nationality) who can meet fair examination standards. I am still considering the comments that were put forward on these points.
The Government see no need for pilotage to be made compulsory in areas other than ports and their approaches.