EMPA Recommendation on Pilots’ Training

EMPA Recommendation on Pilots’ Training


Introduction

European seaports need to be able to rely on skilled and properly trained pilots, because the quality of a pilot service depends above all, on the training and experience of the pilots.

The appropriate training of pilots guarantees their own protection taking into consideration the risks that they are exposed to.


Consideration

Taking into account:

  • The safety of maritime pilots and crews;
  • The protection of the marine environment;
  • The safety and efficiency of the flow of marine traffic;
  • IMO Resolution A.960(23) – Recommendations on Training and Certification and on Operational Procedures for Maritime Pilots other than Deep-Sea Pilots;
  • Regulation (EU) 2017/352 of the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers establishing a framework for the provision of port services and common rules on the financial transparency of ports.



Policy

  • Initial and continuous training is crucial for maintaining pilotage services at their best level;
  • IMO Res. A.960(23) sets the standards for initial training and continued proficiency, establishing on Annex I - item 5, the requirements for training and certification or licensing standards, and in item 6, the requirements for continued proficiency;
  • Regulation (EU) 2017/352 of the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers establishing a framework for the provision of port services and common rules on the financial transparency of ports, establishes on CHAPTER IV - GENERAL AND FINAL PROVISIONS - Article 14 “Training of staff”, that: “Providers of port services shall ensure that employees receive the necessary training to acquire the knowledge which is essential for their work, with particular emphasis on health and safety aspects, and that training requirements are regularly updated to meet the challenges of technological innovation.“



EMPA Recommends:

  • In the interest of the safety and efficiency of navigation and protection of the environment, the European Maritime Pilots’ Association strongly recommends that all Member Associations fully comply with - IMO Res. A.960(23) – Recommendations on Training and Certification and on Operational Procedures for Maritime Pilots other than Deep-Sea Pilotshttp://www.imo.org/blast/blastDataHelper.asp?data_... – as minimum standard requirements for initial and continuous training.
  • EMPA requires all member associations to comply with IMO Resolutions regarding pilot transfer.
  • Member Associations should be mindful of additional requirements due to local circumstances.


Adopted at EMPA General Meeting 13 April 2018