U.S Pilot Fees
The U.S. Superyacht Association had their meeting in Newport in June. This organization, in its 26th year, offered seminars and meetings for the superyacht industry. Northrop and Johnson was a sponsor of the Captain’s question and answer period and Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters organized Ken Bracewell, Captain of the superyacht Curt C to participate in the question and answer period. Of great interest was the question of pilot fees for American and foreign flag yachts entering in various U.S. ports.
Ken Bracewell noted that these pilot fees are state mandated and one can keep track of various state mandated pilot fees through Coast Pilot Guides, which are available for every part of the U.S. coast, both east and west. Pilot fees do vary between foreign and U.S. flag boats, so all should be aware and check when moving along the U.S. coasts for possible pilot requirements. In certain areas, the pilot fees can be quite high, such as for foreign flag charters entering in certain areas of Alaska. These fees are passed on to the Charterer if pilots are required to complete the charter itinerary. This can impact the charter costs overall. The number of states mandating pilot use and therefore fees is unfortunately increasing for our industry.
Ken Bracewell noted that these pilot fees are state mandated and one can keep track of various state mandated pilot fees through Coast Pilot Guides, which are available for every part of the U.S. coast, both east and west. Pilot fees do vary between foreign and U.S. flag boats, so all should be aware and check when moving along the U.S. coasts for possible pilot requirements. In certain areas, the pilot fees can be quite high, such as for foreign flag charters entering in certain areas of Alaska. These fees are passed on to the Charterer if pilots are required to complete the charter itinerary. This can impact the charter costs overall. The number of states mandating pilot use and therefore fees is unfortunately increasing for our industry.
Labels: boat, charter, chartering, Office News and Events, sailing, yacht
