When vessels call at Maltese ports, pilotage is compulsory if they exceed 500 GT, except in cases where ships are unable to obtain the services of a pilot owing to weather conditions or when the ship has been exempted from pilotage by the Authority.
Pilots board vessels at the Fairway Buoy Pilot Station. In bad weather, however, boarding may be restricted to the harbour entrance. Pilotage and mooring services are available on a 24 hour basis. Pilotage and mooring fees vary according to GRT of the vessel, with an additional 15% on standard rates for services between sunset and sunrise and on Sundays and public holidays. A charge of Lm 10 is made for the use of the pilot launch for every move in and out of harbour. In addition, a National Insurance Levy of 10% is charged on standard rates, while a further 10% levy is collected on all gross expenses incurred for pilotage and/or mooring services. These dues are charged at a standard rate according to the Gross Registered Tonnage of a ship and cover any number of hours to be performed by members of the Pilotage Corps.
|
