Neath Port Authority
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Pilotage Directions

PORT OF NEATH

PILOTAGE DIRECTIONS

Issued by the Harbour Master under Section 7, Pilotage Act 1987

  1. General

These Pilotage Directions apply to all vessels navigating within the Statutory Harbour Limits of the Port of Neath.

The Harbour Master may amend, suspend, or add to these Directions at any time for reasons of safety.

  1. Geographical Area
  • The seaward limit at the River Neath entrance in Swansea Bay, bounded by a line drawn across the river mouth between Baglan Bay and Jersey Marine;
  • Upstream through the River Neath channel, including all navigable waters, turning areas, and approaches;
  • Through Briton Ferry Bridge’s, continuing upstream to:
  • Neath Abbey Wharf, including all berths, moorings, lay‑by areas, and associated marine facilities.

These limits include all tidal waters, banks, and navigable channels used by vessels entering, leaving, or operating within the Port of Neath.

 

  1. Compulsory Pilotage

Pilotage is compulsory for the following vessels:

  1. Any vessel of 25m LOA or greater navigating within the main channel.
  2. Any vessel carrying dangerous or polluting goods as defined in the Merchant Shipping (Dangerous Goods & Marine Pollutants) Regulations.
  3. Any vessel with restricted manoeuvrability, including tugs towing or pushing.
  4. Any vessel whose Master is unfamiliar with the Port of Neath or has not completed a passage within the last 12 months.
  5. Any vessel operating during restricted visibility, at night, or in adverse weather conditions where the Harbour Master considers pilotage necessary.

The Harbour Master may require pilotage for any vessel where circumstances justify it.

 

  1. Exemptions

Pilotage is not required for:

  • Vessels under 25m engaged in port service (workboats, safety boats, survey craft).
  • Vessels whose Masters hold a valid Pilotage Exemption Certificate (PEC) for the Port of Neath.
  • Vessels operating solely within a berth or mooring area under Harbour Master approval.

 

  1. Requesting a Pilot

5.1 Masters or agents must request a pilot with minimum notice of 24 hours, unless otherwise agreed.

 5.2 Requests must include:

  • Vessel name and LOA
  • Draft and air draft
  • Cargo type
  • ETA/ETD
  • Any defects or limitations

5.3 Changes to ETA must be communicated immediately.

 

  1. Pilot Boarding Arrangements
  • Pilots embark/disembark at the designated boarding position off the River Neath entrance.
  • Vessels must maintain safe speed, provide a lee, and comply with the Pilot Transfer Regulations.
  • The pilot boat will be identified by “NEATH PILOT” call sign.
  1. Passage Requirements

7.1 Tidal Window

Due to the shallow, narrow, and drying nature of the River Neath:

  • All inward and outward passages must be conducted on the flood tide unless otherwise authorised.
  • Minimum under‑keel clearance (UKC): 0.5m
  • All movements are normally restricted to 2hrs before HW to 30min After HW

7.2 Speed

  • Maximum speed in the river: 6 knots or no wash, whichever is lower.
  • Speed must be reduced when passing moored vessels, workboats, or construction areas.
  •  

7.3 Bridge Transit

  • Transit under the A48 & M4 Bridges requires the pilot’s approval and confirmation of air draught.
  • Vessels must maintain steerageway and remain in the centre of the channel.
  1. Communications
  • Vessels must maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 77 (Port Working Channel).
  • Initial call to “Neath Pilots” must be made 30 mins prior to arrival at the boarding position.
  • Movements must not commence without Harbour Master clearance.
  1. Towage Requirements

Towage may be required for:

  • Vessels over 100 m LOA
  • Vessels with limited manoeuvrability
  • Vessels berthing at Neath Abbey Wharf in strong cross‑winds or tidal flow
  • Any vessel at the Harbour Master’s discretion

Towage arrangements must be confirmed before pilot boarding.

  1. Restrictions

Pilotage may be suspended or restricted due to:

  • Visibility < 0.5 nm
  • Wind > 25 knots in the river
  • Significant swell at the entrance
  • Obstructions, dredging, or construction works
  • Pollution or emergency response operations
  1. Master’s Responsibility

The Master remains responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel at all times. The pilot acts as an advisor, unless otherwise directed by the Harbour Master.

  1. Non‑Compliance

Failure to comply with these Pilotage Directions may result in:

  • Suspension of movement
  • Withdrawal of PEC
  • Enforcement action under the Pilotage Act 1987
  • Reporting to the Duty Holder
  1. Contact

Harbour Master – Neath Port Authority

VHF: Channel 77

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 07983149448

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