Amendments to the PEC Regulation

The regulation clarifies the requirements for extensive experience laid down in sections 41 and 50 of the Pilotage Act to obtain a permit including an area-specific exemption from pilotage obligations.

The amendments concern the number of voyages required to demonstrate extensive area-specific experience and the methods by which such experience may be acquired. When applying for a first area-specific exemption, simulator training may be used more extensively than before to accumulate the required experience. For area-specific exemptions applied for after the first exemption, the required number of qualifying voyages has been reduced and an alternative method for acquiring experience has been introduced. The requirements for renewing area-specific exemptions have also been harmonised with those applicable to exemptions obtained after the first exemption.

The amendment strengthens the role of simulator training in gaining the required experience. At the same time, it clarifies the content of simulator exercises and promotes their appropriate and effective use.

The objective of the amendments is to make obtaining an area-specific exemption more flexible while maintaining a high level of maritime safety. The amendments apply to all operators and promote equal treatment of applicants regardless of vessel type.