Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to introduce a duty on his Department to oversee or direct competent harbour authorities in the execution of their duties to provide pilotage services in accordance with the Pilotage Act 1987.

The size and volume of traffic, conditions and risks vary greatly between different ports and harbours. Those who are responsible for their management are best placed, given the detailed local knowledge and expertise required, to determine what safety measures, including pilotage, are necessary within their limits and to enforce those requirements.

The Pilotage Act 1987 requires competent harbor authorities to keep under review whether any, and if so what, pilotage is needed in their areas to maintain safety navigation.

The Department provides guidance for competent harbor authorities in the form of the Port Marine Safety Code and best practice in the Guide to Good Practice.