What vessels are subject to compulsory pilotage?
Ships meeting certain criteria must have a pilot on board in order to sail within the compulsory areas. In general terms, the following ships are subject to compulsory pilotage within the compulsory areas: • Canadian registered ships of more than 1,500 gross tons; • Ships not registered in Canada; • Oil rigs; • Pleasure craft over 500 gross tons; • Any combination of tug and tow, if more than one unit is being towed; • Ferries that are entering or leaving a port that is not one of their regularly scheduled terminals. There are several exemptions and exceptions within these categories. The following are examples of vessels are not subject to compulsory pilotage: • Canadian-government ships; • Canadian-registered ships that are employed in catching and processing fish or other living resources of the sea; • Canadian-registered offshore supply vessels of 5,000 gross tons or less that have an operations base in a port located within one of the areas; Please refer to section 4 of the Atlant
