Pilotage Information

All vessels over 35 metres in length are subject to compulsory pilotage.

Vessels over 100 metres should be notified to the Harbour master prior to being fixed. Schedule of Dues and Charges 2010.

Vessels up to 119 metres or with maximum draughts of 6.0 metres* (*Departing Riverside Quay) have been handled at King's Lynn on suitable tides. Maximum beam for the enclosed docks is 13.8 metres with a maximum draft of 5.5 Metres. Larger beam vessels can berth on Riverside Quay. (NAABSA).

Maximum length for vessels to Layby at South Quay 6 is 95 Metres.

Arrival/ Sailing on any tide is subject to the vessel being ready in all respects to proceed at the indicated time before high water, with the required allowance over draft for the predicted tide , no significant defects to the vessel and suitable weather and visibility conditions.

Diagram showing relationship between allowance and Under keel clearance.

1. Inward pilot requirements:

NEW ISPS Code Requirements

We require the Pilotage Order Form completed and faxed to 01553 763431 for pilot services 24 hours before the vessels arrival.

Pilot Boarding area is West of The "Sunk" Lightbuoy 52°56.3'N 000°23.4'E, 2 hours before high water.

Call "King's Lynn Harbour Radio or King's Lynn Pilots" on VHF channel 14

Information required: See PILOT ORDER FORM

Cancellation of pilot must be faxed to Harbour Office on 01553 763431 no later than 4 Hours before the intended tide of arrival, failure to do which will result in a cancellation charge of 50% of full inward pilotage, plus 50% of boarding fee.

2. Shifts in port or Outward pilotage.

Vessel must be ready to proceed in all respects at 1 hour 30 minutes to high water. Pilots will board about this time. Maximum draft vessels for the tide should leave the Riverside quay or be clear of the Docks no later than 30 minutes to high water. If the vessel is delayed for whatever reason then the vessel will abort the transit and sail the following tide subject to the vessel having the required allowance.

a) Pilot requirements with Maximum sailing draft to be sent by fax on 01553 763431 12 hours before departure, with amendments at 4 hours to high water.

b) Cancellation of a sailing or shifting pilot must be faxed to the Harbour office on 01553 763431 no later than 2 hours to high water, failure to do which will result in a fail to sail charge being applied.

3. Tug Information.

1). Vessels to or from the docks over 73 metres (240 feet), without a bow thruster, are required to employ a tug. Twin screw vessels between 73 metres and 99.99 metres may following a satisfactory assessment be exempt from having to employ a tug.

2). All tankers over 73 metres will have a tug in attendance regardless.

3). Vessels of 100 metres or over without a Bow thruster are required to have 2 tugs in attendance. Vessels with a Bow thruster will only require one tug. If any of these vessels are for Riverside quay a tug to swing the vessel on arrival is required (for starboard side too discharge/load and then sail). If this is not possible due to the height of Dock Point shoal or for other reasons a tug will be required for both arrival and departure.

4). Vessels over 120 metres and "Dead ships" will be individually assessed.

5). Tug to be ordered on the Pilot Order Form. A cancellation charge will be payable when a tug is ordered, but it is not employed. No charge will be made if notice of cancellation is received by Fax on 01553 763431 not less than four hours before high water time.