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KHM Plymouth / Safety and regulations

VTS and Pilotage

The Admiralty Pilots at Plymouth are part of KHM’s organisation and are employed to enable KHM to discharge their statutory duties to ensure the safe movement of vessels within the Dockyard Port.

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.

Pilotage passage plan
Royal Navy Sailor with binoculars in his hands stares past the camera

Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)

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.

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