Pilotage

The State of Alaska requires mandatory pilotage in Alaskan waters for foreign flagged yachts over 65’ length overall (LOA). 

Vessels more than 65’ LOA and less than 175’ LOA are eligible for exemption from pilotage upon approval from the State Board of Marine Pilots. Vessels more than 125’ and less than 175’ LOA, regardless of an exemption, are required to employ a pilot upon initial entry into compulsory pilotage water of the state to their first Alaskan port of call. 

Vessels more than 175’ LOA are not eligible for an exemption from pilotage in Alaskan waters. An application for a pilotage exemption and conditions of operation may be obtained from a state-registered vessel agent, or from the Board of Marine Pilots webpage at: http://commerce.alaska.gov/occ/pmar.htm 

State regulations require a registered agent to facilitate pilotage exemptions through the state Marine Pilot Co-ordinator. An application for exemption should be submitted a minimum of 30 days before arrival. A pilotage exemption does not apply to the areas of Wrangell Narrows or Peril Strait in Southeast Alaska, and if transiting these areas, a pilot must be employed.

Documentation

State of Alaska regulations require a current copy of the vessel registry for processing a pilotage exemption. Vessels over 400 gross tons must have a current Alaska COFR and Oil Spill Response Plan in effect, prior to arrival in Alaska waters. Yacht Services of Alaska have been recommended by the Southeast Alaska Pilots Association to support vessels with documentation & Pilot exemption. Their professional staff are licensed & bonded. 

Contact: North Pacific Maritime

Tel: +1 907 747 3377

Email: juneau@norpac1.com

Website: www.yachtservicesofalaska.com