information guide...information guide pilotage exemption certificate rotterdam rijnmond 4 version...

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Information guide Pilotage Exemption Certificate Rotterdam-Rijnmond

Information guide Pilotage Exemption Certificate Rotterdam Rijnmond

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This guide is for informational purposes. No rights can be derived from this publication.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 5

2 Practical advance instructions and procedure for admission to certificate holder training ........... 7

2.1 Admission criteria .................................................................................................................... 7

2.2 Application for admittance to certificate holder course ......................................................... 7

2.3 Admission to the course .......................................................................................................... 7

2.4 Training programme registration ............................................................................................ 7

2.5 Evaluation and trial trip registration ....................................................................................... 7

3 Preconditions and criteria ............................................................................................................... 9

3.1 Defined port areas ................................................................................................................... 9

3.2 Frequency requirement ........................................................................................................... 9

4 The training and testing ................................................................................................................ 10

4.1 Practical exam ....................................................................................................................... 10

4.2 Evaluation trips ...................................................................................................................... 11

4.3 Practical exam ....................................................................................................................... 11

4.4 Notification of completion of the training programme ........................................................ 12

4.5 Rejection procedure .............................................................................................................. 12

4.6 Certificate holder’s training costs.......................................................................................... 12

5 Issuance of the certificate number and handing over the certificate ........................................... 13

6 Supplementary PEC courses .......................................................................................................... 13

7 For the certificate holder ............................................................................................................... 15

Appendix 1. Overview table Pilotage Exemption Certificate (PEC) types ......................................... 17

Appendix 2. Re-examination table for the theory exam ................................................................... 19

Appendix 3. Example of annual voyage reporting form .................................................................... 21


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Version management

1.0 First version 30 September 2014

1.1 MV2 extension 1 October 2015

1.2 Port area sea-Dordrecht and/or Moerdijk included

27 November 2019


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1 Introduction

This information guide is for (candidate) holders of a pilotage exemption certificate that have questions about the

procedures and preconditions for obtaining and maintaining an exemption certificate (PEC). The guide does not

include the nautical information subject to examination. That information can be found in the study material that you

receive from the Dutch pilot cooperation, Loodsencorporatie Rotterdam Rijnmond (LRR).

The possibility for certificate holders to obtain exemption from compulsory pilotage has existed since 1995. Since

that time, a great deal of experiences have been gained in Rotterdam regarding the admission criteria to be applied,

the training programme, examining and setting limits for the (weather) conditions to which the certificate applies.

This information guide provides an up-to-date overview of the practical implementation of the certificate holder

training.

The guide answers a lot of questions. For more information, please contact the Division Harbour Master of

Rotterdam via [email protected]. Questions about the training programme and related

matters can be addressed to the pilotage via [email protected].

mailto:[email protected]



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2 Practical advance instructions and procedure for admission to certificate holder training

2.1 Admission criteria

The candidate certificate holder has to meet at least the following criteria:

• Have a valid Certificate of Competence (Master All Ships);

• Expectation in the coming 12 months, after the certificate has been issued, to make 18 calls;

• Have a medical certificate.

A Pilotage Exemption Certificate (PEC) may not be applied for in the case of vessels built or intended for the

transport of hazardous substances in bulk.

2.2 Application for admittance to certificate holder course

The application form has to be submitted to the Harbour Master's Division (DHMR) by the candidate certificate

holder. The form can be downloaded via

https://www.portofrotterdam.com/nl/file/4606/download?token=w0dZ1fBE under the heading ‘Application Forms’. Select ‘Pilot Exemption/similar vessel’. Submit the completed application form to [email protected]

2.3 Admission to the course

The applicant will receive a letter from the State Harbour Master concerning the admission to the course or a

rejection letter. Upon admittance to the training, you will also receive information about the training programme. A

copy of the letter will be sent to the Dutch pilot cooperation, Loodsencorporatie Rotterdam-Rijnmond (LRR).

2.4 Training programme registration

The LRR sets (provisional) dates for introduction days and examination. Candidates have to be registered for the introduction day at least 3 weeks in advance and at least 4 weeks prior to the theoretical exam. If there are not enough participants, the LRR reserves the right to change or cancel dates. Supplementary training will be determined in consultation with the applicant and the LRR.

2.5 Evaluation and trial trip registration

A request for an evaluation or trial trip has to be submitted to the LRR in writing 24 hours in advance via

[email protected]. If the trip falls in the weekend or during a national public holiday, registration

has to be effected 72 hours in advance. If a candidate certificate holder cancels the trip less than 12 hours in

advance, the trip will be deemed unsatisfactory by the examiner or supervising pilot.

https://www.portofrotterdam.com/nl/file/4606/download?token=w0dZ1fBE




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3 Preconditions and criteria

3.1 Defined port areas

The PEC is valid for navigating to and from one or more berths in a specified port area (see list below and

Appendix 1). The PEC is route related, so from sea to one or more berths within a specified port area and vice

versa.

1. Maasvlakte 1 [MV1] (Europahaven, Amazonehaven, Delta Barge Feeder (DBF) terminal,

Feeder Waiting Berths [FWB] 1-4)

2. Hartelhaven (Hartelhaven, MV1)1

3. Maasvlakte 2 [MV2] (Euromaxkade, Prinses Amaliahaven, Prinses Margriethaven

Feeder Waiting Berths [FWB] 1-3)

4. Brittanniëhaven

5. Beneluxhaven

6. Hoek van Holland (Stena landing stages)

7. Botlek (Laurenshaven, 1st and 2nd Werkhavens, main channel with the exception of Welplaathaven)

8. Vlaardingen (Vulcaanhaven, Mammoet terminal)

9. Vlaardingen (Koningin Wilhelminahaven (KW haven))

10. Vlaardingen Koole (KW haven, VOPAK jetties, 1st Pet(Koole1,2,10/Shell1))

11. Schiedam (Wiltonhaven, Wilhelminahaven)

12. Eemhaven complex

13. Waalhaven complex

14. Merwehaven and Vierhavencomplex

15. Maashaven

16. Sea port area Dordrecht2

17. Sea port area Moerdijk3

3.2 Frequency requirement

The frequency requirement of 18 calls a year is the minimum prescribed number of calls to maintain a valid PEC.

(A call is a port visit, so an inbound as well as an outbound trip). The requirement applies to each port area as a

whole. Compliance has to be demonstrated each year with an Annual Voyage Reporting Form (see appendix 3).

There are two special situations. The shipping route for the adjacent port areas Maasvlakte1/Maasvlakte2 and

Waalhaven complex/Eemhaven complex is largely the same. That is why the 18-call requirement can be divided

over the two port areas. This is only possible if a minimum of 6 calls are made to both port areas (and therefore at

least 12 calls to the other area). This does not apply to the Hartelhaven .

1 Conditions: max LOA 110m, freq. requirement of 18 calls specifically applies to the Hartelhaven 2 RWS is the authority for the Spijkenissebrug-Dordrecht route. 3 RWS is the authority for the Spijkenissebrug-Moerdijk route.


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4 The training and testing

4.1 Practical exam

The LRR organises a basic PEC training for candidate certificate holders that have not been previously granted the

exemption at least 4 times a year. After admission to the basic training, the application reports this to the LRR,

Course and Training Department [email protected] This department coordinates the training

programme with the applicant.

The basic PEC training for a defined port area comprises:

1. An introduction day The candidate certificate holder receives the study material and an explanation of the training and exam during the introduction day. The introduction includes a visit to the Traffic Center Hook of Holland.

2. 6 evaluation trips; 3 inbound and 3 outbound

The objective of the evaluation trips is twofold: The candidate certificate holder can train his navigational skills and ask the pilot on board questions. The pilot can assess whether the candidate certificate holder has adequate knowledge and skills to participate in the exam.

3. Theoretical exam The LRR organises a theoretical exam day at least 4 times a year. The candidates are tested on the following subjects: A. Shipping traffic regulations B. Communication procedures C. Working language D. Practical navigation E. Manoeuvring All subjects only apply to the area pertinent to the certificate application.

4. 3 exam trips: 2 inbound and 1 outbound

This component is the practical exam.

Training can be taken for a maximum of two port areas simultaneously. In that case, the rule is: Evaluation trips: 5 inbound and 5 outbound and 2 shift movements Exam trips: 2 inbound and 2 outbound and 1 shift movement.



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4.2 Evaluation trips

During the evaluation trip, the candidate certificate holder’s knowledge and skills of the following areas will be

evaluated:

• Application of geographical knowledge

• Practical application of legal rules and regulations

• Implemented navigation policy

• Manoeuvres, mist navigation, etc4.

The accompanying pilot makes a report according to the standard form ‘evaluation trip report’, which leads to the

final evaluation. The candidate certificate holder initials the report.

Number of evaluation trip re-examinations

If an evaluation trip is assessed as unsatisfactory, the candidate certificate holder is eligible for a re-examination

Candidate certificate holders that achieve an unsatisfactory result for two trips will receive an negative advice from

the LRR for further participation in the training programme. In practice, this means that he/she will no longer be

able to participate in the subsequent training programme. DHMR will advise the candidate accordingly in writing.

4.3 Practical exam

During the exam trips, the candidate certificate holder’s knowledge and skills of the following areas will be evaluated:

• Application of geographical knowledge

• Practical application of legal rules and regulations

• Implemented navigation policy

• Manoeuvres, mist navigation, etc5.

The examining pilot makes a report according to the standard form ‘trial trip report’, which leads to the final

evaluation ‘satisfactory’ or ‘unsatisfactory’ for the trip in question. The candidate certificate holder initials the report.

If a candidate has made an unsatisfactory trip, he can retake an exam by making a new trial trip. The candidate

certificate holder may redo a maximum of 2 trial trips for a re-examination. If this number is exceeded, he will be

rejected and excluded from the programme for obtaining a pilot exemption in the area where the Harbour Master

of Rotterdam is the competent authority

Re-examinations

The theory exam is conducted as described in the Dutch Certificate Holders’ Decree. This decree also contains the

national rules for re-examination and rejection.

Pass

A candidate passes if he has achieved at least a 6 for all exam subjects. In other cases, the table on page 15 will

be observed.

Quality assurance by means of deploying authorised persons

4 If applicable 5 If applicable


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There is a national Committee of authorised persons that supervise the PEC exams in accordance with the Decree

on certificate holders Shipping Traffic Act. The authorised persons are appointed by the Minister and deployed per

region. The oral exam is taken by 2 examiners per candidate. An authorised person is also present during this

exam who determines the mark together with the examiners.

4.4 Notification of completion of the training programme

The candidate or his representative will be notified of the result of the training programme within 5 working days

after the last exam trip. The DHMR will be notified at the same time and a certificate number will be assigned. The

pilot exemption can be availed of as soon as the certificate number has been issued.

4.5 Rejection procedure

If a candidate certificate holder does not meet the set exam requirements, the LRR will inform the DHMR

accordingly. DHMR will give the candidate written notice that the admission to the training issued earlier is being

withdrawn.

4.6 Certificate holder’s training costs

The regular PEC training programme is subject to a statutory rate. The daily rate for a training day will be charged

(per person) for a re-examination.

An additional training day may be provided (on request) during the course, which will be charged at the daily rate.

Any subsequent exam will also be charged at a daily rate (per person).

All costs have to be paid to the LRR in advance.

Rates for the simulator training are quoted separately. The contracts with customer and simulator institute are

concluded by or on behalf of the Rotterdam-Rijnmond region Pilots.

Cancellation within one week of the set date or non-participation in an introduction or exam day is subject to the

daily rate per person.


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5 Issuance of the certificate number and handing over the certificate

DHMR issues the certificate number (during office hours) upon receipt of a written confirmation from the LRR that

the candidate has met the training requirements. This is usually done within five days after the candidate has

successfully completed all of the training components. The certificate number can be used as soon as it has been

issued. By proof of the right to permission to navigate without pilot, DHMR sends the (amended) certificate to the

agent specified on the application form within a few days.

6 Supplementary PEC courses The following supplementary courses are available: a. On the same route with a non-similar vessel; b. On a different route with the same or a (non) similar vessel; c. Simulator training to obtain the Tugboat Coordination Certificate (TCC).

a. On the same route with a non-similar vessel

When a certificate holder wants to use his certificate on the same route on another, non-similar vessel, the following

supplementary training is required:

• 6 evaluation trips: 3 inbound and 3 outbound.

• 3 exam trips: 2 inbound and 1 outbound.

b. On a different route with the same or a (non-)similar vessel

A certificate holder that wants to navigate to another defined port area requires additional geographical knowledge,

manoeuvring and communication procedures. If such is the case, the certificate holder will be given exemption for

the areas in which he was already examined.

The training programme is as follows:

• Limited introduction day: Geography, practical navigation and communication procedures in the new area

• 6 evaluation trips: 3 inbound and 3 outbound

• a combined exam in geography, manoeuvring and communication procedures in the new area

• 3 exam trips: 2 inbound and 1 outbound.

c. Tugboat simulator training, available from the TCC

I. This supplementary training is required in addition to a basic PEC for navigating without a pilot:

(a) on vessels – longer than 150 m LOA - with destination Brittanniëhaven, which have to pass the Calandbrug.

(a) on vessels – longer than 175 m LOA - with destination Vulcaanhaven (Vlaardingen area).

II. To permit the wind restriction to lapse on other destinations on the exemption certificate

The tugboat simulator training focuses on the following matters:

• Tugboat use theory and familiarity with the difficulties and restrictions of different types of tugboats, and the

prevention of hazardous situations;

• mooring and unmooring with tugboats;

• communication with tugboat masters, VTS operators and other traffic participants;

• manoeuvring with tugboat assistance;


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• mooring and unmooring procedures with tugboat assistance.

A Tugboat Coordination Certificate (TCC) is issued for a period of 3 years. A lighter training and exam programme is required for obtaining a follow-up TCC.


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7 For the certificate holder

Once you obtain the certificate, a new phase begins for you in which you will be working together with the harbour

master and pilots. You have a great responsibility. A certificate holder has sufficient experience and knowledge to

independently navigate the relevant waterway safely without a pilot. In doing so, the certificate holder not only bears

his own safety in mind, but also that of the vessels around him. He communicates and acts proactively to keep risks

on the water to an absolute minimum.

The laws and regulations also set requirements for maintaining the validity of the exemption.

Withdrawal of the exemption certificate

The PEC certificate will become invalid by operation of law, or will be withdrawn, temporarily or otherwise, under

the following circumstances.

• the certificate holder has not complied with the number of calls on the relevant vessel and to and from the

relevant port area;

• The Annual Voyage Reporting Form is not submitted to DHMR;

• the certificate holder no longer meets the issuance requirements;

• the certificate holder fails to submit a valid medical certificate to DHMR;

• the certificate holder has become disqualified from acting as master or mate on board a sea-going vessel;

• the sea-going vessel pertinent to the certificate has undergone major renovation;

• the certificate holder does not comply with the rules and regulations applicable to the waterway and does not

act as is fitting of a good traffic participant;

• DHMR, by virtue of its responsibility regarding safety, does not consider it advisable that the certificate holder

acts as such.

Limitations Certificate holders should still engage a pilot when:

• The space available for manoeuvring is so limited for the shipping traffic that unsafe situations may arise;

Major changes occur in the shipping traffic pattern, e.g. due to calamities and incidents.

• Visual and/or wind restrictions specified on the PEC apply (see overview table in Appendix 1).

Procedures for maintaining validity of PEC

If a certificate lapses on account of failure to meet the frequency requirement, an application to renew the certificate

can be submitted within the year after the certificate has lapsed. This is subject to the following rules:

Calls per year: Trips:

16 or 17 2 evaluation trips (1 in/1 out)

13-15 4 Evaluation trips (2 in/2 out)

<13 6 Evaluation trips (3 in/3 out)


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Shift movements also count in the calls per year, provided the Lage Licht is passed. The introduction day and the

theoretical exam are not compulsory in this situation. To qualify for the evaluation programme ‘Certificate

renewal’, an application form has to be submitted to the DHMR. An evaluation trip is not voluntary and the

evaluation is a determining factor in continuing the certificate.

PEC High frequency Moerdijk

• A higher travel frequency of 36 calls per year is required for the PEC HF.

• The calls made after the PEC basis are taken into account for this higher travel frequency.

• The inbound and outbound trips added up, divided by 2, make the number of calls. The difference

between inbound and outbound trips may not be more than 10% for the weighted trips.

• For the annual extension of the PEC HF, this higher travel frequency must be achieved every year.

• If the travel frequency required for maintaining PEC HF is not met, the doubled conditions as described

for the PEC Basis apply to this situation.

Calls per year Assessment trips

32 < calls < 36 2 (1 in / 1 out)

26 < calls < 32 4 (2 in / 2 out)

calls < 26 6 (3 in / 3 out)

• Applying for a PEC HF can be done by sending a request to the Habour Master Division (DMHR)

[[email protected]] for a print out of the voyage history of the PEC basis. When

the authority and applicant agree that the required travel frequency has been met, the PEC basis is

converted into a PEC HF in the administration.

• If the applicant disagrees with the calls recorded on the print out, he must substantiate the inaccuracies

he assumes.

• With a PEC HF, the restriction included in the PEC basis for the Dordtse Kil are no longer applicable.

Additional requirements for validity of the PEC HF.

Crew:

• The minimum occupancy on the bridge consists of the PEC-holder and a waiting officer.

• the PEC-holder and the bridge are competent concerning the Dutch language

• the PEC-holder has followed radar simulator training tailored to the sailing area

• the certificate holder visits an annual “PEC Information Meeting” aimed at the sailing area (Botlek –

Moerdijk)

The ship is additionally equipped with the following instruments:

• an interactive and up-to-date electronic map (Ecdis with current water level data)

• a ROT indicator (turn indicator)

• the current flow information, in particular at Moerdijk can be read on the bridge.


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Appendix 1. Overview table Pilotage Exemption Certificate (PEC) types Type Destination Ship criteria Pilot exemption

with Visual restriction PEC valid from

Wind restriction PEC valid to

Wind restriction lapses

1 All defined port areas except Hartelhaven, Brittanniëhaven, Vulcaanhaven, Dordrecht en Moerdijk.

Length < 130m PEC basis N/A N/A N/A

2 All defined port areas except Hartelhaven, Brittanniëhaven, Vulcaanhaven, Dordrecht en Moerdijk.

Length ≥ 130m No Roro

PEC basis Visibility ≥ 700m Wind < 8Bft(<17,2m/s) With valid TCC

3 All defined port areas except Vulcaanhaven, Dordrecht en Moerdijk.

RoRo PEC basis N/A Wind < 8Bft(<17,2m/s) With valid TCC

4 Brittanniëhaven RoRo < 150m PEC basis N/A Calandbrug wind west < 8Bft(<17,2m/s) wind east <6Bft(<10,8m/s)

Never

No RoRo < 150m

Visibility ≥ 700m

5 Brittanniëhaven RoRo ≥ 150m PEC icw SCC

N/A Calandbrug wind west < 8Bft(<17,2m/s) wind east < 6Bft (<10,8m/s)

Never

No RoRo ≥ 150m

Visibility ≥ 700m

6 Vulcaanhaven RoRo < 175m PEC basis N/A Wind < 8Bft(<17,2m/s) With valid TCC

7 Vulcaanhaven RoRo ≥ 175m PEC icw SCC

N/A N/A N/A

8 Hartelhaven Length ≤ 110m PEC basis N/A N/A N/A

9 Dordrecht L ≤ 135m AND D ≤ 70dm PEC basis ≥ 1000m6 <9 Bft7 N/A

10 Moerdijk L ≤ 135m AND D ≤ 55dm PEC basis ≥ 1000m1 <9 Bft2 N/A

11 Moerdijk L ≤ 135m AND OR (55dm ≤ D ≤ 70dm)

PEC HF ≥ 1000m1 <9 Bft2 N/A

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6 Mistregeling Achterland Zuid-Holland, in aanvulling op de mistregeling HbR— LRR 7 Windkrachtbeperking Spijkenisserbrug


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- TCC = Tugboat Coordination Certificate - PEC basis is without TCC - The wind restriction may lapse with a TCC, with the exception of PEC Brittanniëhaven, whereby

the Calandbrug wind restriction always remains in force - Wind: for the westerly port areas (up to 7th Petroleum harbour) wind gauge Noorderpier. For

the easterly port areas from the 7th Petroleum harbour wind gauge Geulhaven - icw = in combination with


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Appendix 2. Re-examination table for the theory exam

Exam results After 3 months After 6 months After 9 months After 12 months

5 Re-examination

5 + 5 Re-examination

4 Re-examination

5+5+5 Exam

4+5 Exam

4+4 Exam

4+5+5 Exam

3 Exam

3+5 Exam

3+5+5 Exam

4+4+5 Exam

4+4+4 Exam

3+4 Exam

3+4+5 Exam

3+4+4 Exam 3+3 Exam

3+3+5 Exam

3+3+4 Exam

<3 Exam Re-examination results

5 Exam

4 Exam

3 Exam

<3 Exam Results of 2nd exam

5 Re-examination

5+5 Re-examination

4 Re-examination

5+5+5 Exam

4+5 Exam

4+4 Exam

4+5+5 Exam

3 Exam

3+5 Exam

3+5+5 Exam

4+4+5 Exam

4+4+4 Exam

3+4 Exam

3+4+5 Exam

3+4+4 Exam

3+3 Exam

3+3+5 Exam

3+3+4 Exam

<3 Exam


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Appendix 3. Example of annual voyage reporting form8

8 MS Word version can be downloaded at https://www.portofrotterdam.com/en/shipping/port-services/sea-shipping-forms-and-checklists

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