Boarding Arrangements

All arriving vessels requiring a pilot will be boarded seaward of the Port Everglades sea buoy (buoy PE).  NOTE:  all large vessels, deep draft vessels and all passenger vessels should maintain a distance of at least two miles generally eastward of the sea buoy until the pilot is embarked.  Under all circumstances, an arriving ship is required to maneuver as necessary to provide an adequate lee while embarking the pilot.  

A pilot ladder is required on all arriving vessels, including tug/barge combinations.  It shall be rigged in accordance with 46CFR and IMO specifications and should be 3 feet (1 meter) above the waterline.  Manropes are optional in Port Everglades.  However, it is generally preferred that they not be rigged.  Boarding speed varies with ship type but is generally around seven knots.  Visit the "Pilot Ladder" page for a diagram of a proper pilot ladder.

All vessels sailing or shifting berths will normally be boarded from shore.  In this event, a proper gangway shall be maintained until the pilot embarks the vessel.