Pilot Boarding Point

The pilot boarding point (PBP) is a charted or published position at sea, typically outside the port approach fairway or at the harbour entrance, where the compulsory or voluntary pilot boards or disembarks the vessel by pilot launch, tender, or helicopter. Port authorities publish the coordinates, VHF working channel, and contact procedure for the PBP in pilot books, notices to mariners, and port authority sailing directions. Vessels must arrive at the PBP at the agreed estimated time of arrival (ETA) and must communicate with the port VTS or pilot station in advance. The master must ensure that the pilot boarding arrangements — ladder, combination arrangement, or helicopter facilities — comply with SOLAS V/23 at the time of pilot transfer. The vessel must be manoeuvred to provide a lee for the pilot boat and to maintain a safe speed for boarding operations without endangering the launch. Delays at the pilot boarding point due to weather or pilot non-availability can extend the vessel's waiting time and affect the commencement of laytime under the charter party. The master's log should record the precise time of pilot boarding as part of the official voyage narrative.