Ports Victoria determines the licensing and training requirements for marine pilots operating in Victorian ports.
These requirements are set out in the Determination: Licensing and Training Requirements for Marine Pilots in Victorian Ports.
Current determination
The determination outlines:
- eligibility requirements
- training requirements
- examination requirements
- licence progression requirements
- competency requirements
Latest determination update
Effective date: June 2026
Section 17 was updated to allow pilots to satisfy the 30% exposure requirement using vessels that match any one of the applicable dimensional thresholds rather than all thresholds.
Training requirements
Pilotage training is completed through an approved pilot training plan administered by a pilotage service provider.
Training requirements vary depending on the relevant port and licence class.
Pilotage examination
Marine pilots must successfully complete the pilotage examination before progressing beyond trainee status.
The examination assesses knowledge, competency and operational readiness.
Legislation
Pilot licences are granted under Part 7.2 of the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic).