Coastal & DeepSea Pilotage
Description
There are over 400 shipping movements in the Dover Strait per day without counting the ferries crossing between the Continent and England. Many of these vessels still do not adhere to the collision regulations and poorly maintain the necessary communication standards.
Due to the dense traffic and numerous days of bad weather and/or poor visibility, this sea-area is one of the most dangerous in the world. Increased industrial activity offshore has resulted in countless mining installations, pipelines and other underwater hazards to navigation. Because of their everyday experience in this sea-area, our pilots are fully up-to-date with all VTS- and port communication procedures and any changes thereof. Their ability to communicate in all modern languages often results in a considerable reduction of lost time. With this non-compulsory pilotage service we provide an immediate and personal infusion of essential knowledge and experience to the vessel's Bridge Management Team and a supplement to the navigational manpower.
Management enhancement
Due to several reasons, that you are of course well aware of, we see tighter sailing schedules and a serious reduction of port turnaround times affecting shipping in the NW-European region. This phenomenon increases the workload of all personnel on board, the nautical staff in particular. That is the reason that we, as the founder of this pilotage service are laying more emphasis on the aspect of `reduction of crew-fatigue' and the resulting more economic ship management.
The Pilots
All pilots are former foreign-going Master Mariners with command experience and are fully licensed according to IMO Resolution A486(XII), European Community and Dutch legislation. Safety in these congested waters is the profession of our pilots, active 24 hours per day, piloting ships to safe harbours through the risks inseparable from this intense and ongoing traffic.
Green Award
As from 1st October 1995, Dirkzwager's Coastal & Deep Sea Pilotage BV has participated as a sponsor in the "Green Award Scheme" as initiated by the Rotterdam Port Authority. For vessels carrying the Green Award Certificate, we offer a reduction of five percent of our published tariff.
Insurance premium reduction
Since both Hull & Machinery and P&I insurance follow either the bonus-malus rule or a premium rating system to the same effect, it is obvious that our service will have a positive influence on the claims record and as such will result in a refund of our pilotage fee by lower insurance premiums.
The Organisation
Our office is staffed 24 hours, every day of the week, in order to provide the best possible service to our clients. In this we closely cooperate with our colleagues of Dirkzwager Ship's Information and Dirkzwager Communication Service. To make all necessary travel arrangements and to plan the movements of our pilots properly, we advise Masters, requesting the service of one of our pilots, to inform us of their ETA at the boarding position with preferably 48 hours notice. Boarding points can be Brixham- or Cherbourg roads, or coming from the Baltic area, the Kiel Canal or Skagen. Our Pilots can of course also board at any port in NW-Europe, as long as adequate notice is received.
Summary
- Nautical assistance to Masters who are unfamiliar in this sea-area;
- Prevention of fatigue;
- Assistance in communication with VTS-/Port Authorities;
- Supplementary service to the Bridge Management Team;
- Additional safety precaution with regard to the maritime environment.
