The Solent is a complex tapestry of maritime jurisdictions and responsibilities that are a result of history. A diagram showing approximate boundaries for CHAs and the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth can be found below.
- Boundaries
- Solent Ports and harbour
Summary of Pilotage requirements
- VTS
- Pilotage and Towage for warships
- Pilotage Exemption Certificate
- Other references
Two of the harbour authorities in the area, ABP Southampton and the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth (KHM Portsmouth), operate Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) which provide TOS information (Traffic Organisation Service).
ABP Southampton provides the VTS service for the majority of the Central and Eastern Solent despite the majority of the water coming under the jurisdiction of KHM Portsmouth, this is due to the MOU, Memorandum Of Understanding, between the two authorities.
KHM provides a VTS service for Portsmouth Harbour North of a line joining Horse Sand Fort, Outer Spit Buoy and Fort Gilkicker Light. The VTS services are linked and constant liaison is maintained between the two authorities. KHM operates on VHF Channel 11 and Southampton VTS operates on VHF Channel 12.
Further Pilotage information
Portsmouth International Port
Compulsory pilotage is required for vessels of 48 metres or more LOA, and also for vessels of 20 metres or more LOA carrying more than 12 passengers.
Exemptions: A vessel in transit through the Solent (see LNTMS for more details), a vessel in Government service except when berthing or unberthing an any non-MoD facility, a vessel with an Admiralty Pilot embarked while proceeding to or from any MoD facility, a vessel less than 150 metres LOA proceeding to or from the central Solent to an anchorage in St Helen’s Roads or a vessel of overall length not greater than 150 metres while to the South of a line joining Nettlestone Point to the Warner Buoy, then the Cambrian Wreck Buoy then North to the shoreline.
PIP contact details:
Phone: +44(0)23 9285 5900
Fax: +44(0)23 9275 3029
Cowes
Compulsory pilotage is required for vessels of 48 metres or more LOA, passenger ferries and passenger vessels of 20 metres or more LOA carrying more than 12 passengers and vessels or combination of vessels with a beam of more than 15 metres.
Exemptions: HM Ships, MoD owned and operated vessels, Naval vessels belonging to a foreign government, passenger ferries and passenger vessels less than 20 metres LOA, other vessels less than 48 metres LOA.
Cowes contact details:
Agent PD Port Services
Phone: +44(0)19 83 292501
Email: [email protected]
Harbour Commission:
Phone: +44(0)1983 293952
Langstone Harbour
Compulsory pilotage is required for vessels of 48 metres or more LOA and vessels 20 metres or more LOA carrying more than 12 passengers.
Exemptions: Vessels transiting the southern area of Langstone Harbour south of the Langstone Fairway Buoy (See directions for details). Vessels going to anchorage in St Helen’s Roads except vessels departing Langstone Harbour. Vessels carrying out dredging activity in a dredging area licensed by the Crown Estate south of the Langstone Fairway Pile. Vessels in Government service except when berthing or unberthing at any non-MoD facility.
Langstone Harbour contact details:
Harbour Office
Phone: +44(0)23 9246 3419
ABP Southhampton
Compulsory pilot is required for vessels of 61 metres or more in length overall (LOA), and also for vessels of 20 metres or more LOA carrying 12 or more passengers. The length of a tug and tow is interpreted as the distance from the forward end of the towing vessel to the stern of the last vessel towed.
VTS Centre contact details:
Phone: +44(0)23 8060 8208
Fax: +44(0)23 80232991
Stay informed
To receive Notices and/or Shipping Movements, please make your selection below.
Follow KHM Portsmouth on X
@khmportsmouth