On this page:
- What is coastal pilotage?
- Requirements under the national law
- Where coastal pilotage applies
- How coastal pilotage is regulated
What is coastal pilotage?
Coastal pilots provide local navigation advice to a vessel’s master to assist with safe passage.
Coastal pilotage is mandatory in specific Australian waters where navigation can be challenging. These areas can include reefs, narrow channels, shallow water and tidal conditions. A coastal pilot has specialist knowledge of these waters.
AMSA regulates coastal pilotage, including coastal pilot licensing and training. We also provide guidance to help coastal pilots and pilotage providers navigate coastal waters. This includes guidance on under keel clearance management.
Note: While AMSA oversees coastal pilotage, port pilotage is managed by state and territory authorities.
Requirements under the national law
You must embark an AMSA-licensed coastal pilot when navigating through a coastal pilotage area if your vessel is:
- over 70 metres long
- a loaded oil tanker
- a loaded chemical carrier
- a loaded liquefied gas carrier.
This requirement applies to tankers and carriers irrespective of length.
Where coastal pilotage applies
Compulsory coastal pilotage applies in 5 areas of the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait:
- the Inner Route, from Cape York to Cairns
- Great North East Channel
- Hydrographer's Passage
- the Whitsundays, including Whitsunday Passage, Whitsunday Group and Lindeman Group
- Torres Strait.
How coastal pilotage is regulated
AMSA regulates coastal pilotage under the Navigation Act 2012 and Marine Order 54 (Coastal pilotage) 2026.
We license coastal pilots and pilotage providers and set requirements for compulsory coastal pilotage areas. We also regulate pilotage provider operations and applications for exemptions from compulsory pilotage.
Other legislation also applies in some coastal pilotage areas: