Boarding

Boarding Arrangements

All arriving vessels requiring a pilot will be boarded approximately two (2) miles seaward of the Port Everglades sea buoy (buoy PE). NOTE: unless specifically directed otherwise by the pilots or harbormaster, all large vessels, deep draft vessels and all passenger vessels approaching the port should NOT approach closer than two miles to the sea buoy until the pilot has boarded. This requirement is necessary to provide adequate time for a Master-Pilot exchange prior to entering the channel. Some further boarding considerations are:

	Under all circumstances, an arriving or departing ship is required to maneuver as necessary to provide an adequate lee while embarking or disembarking the pilot.
	A pilot ladder is required on all vessels, inbound and outbound. This includes all tug/barge combinations. Embarking and disembarking via the tugboat is at the option of the pilot and generally will happen only in very calm sea conditions.
	The pilot ladder 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 they not be rigged. ٭٭٭٭Please visit the "Pilot Ladder" page for a diagram of a proper pilot ladder.٭٭٭٭
	Boarding speed varies with ship type but is generally around seven knots.

All vessels sailing or shifting berths will normally be boarded from shore. In this event, a proper gangway should be maintained until the pilot boards the vessel. Likewise, a proper gangway or other safe means of disembarkation should be provided in a timely manner after the ship is moored. For a vessel sailing or shifting, the pilot will normally board approximately 10-20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.