A pilot licence allows a qualified marine pilot to navigate vessels in Victorian pilotage waters.
Ports Victoria grants pilot licences under Part 7.2 of the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic).
Who needs a pilot licence?
A person engaged to navigate a vessel 35 metres or longer in Victorian pilotage waters must hold a valid pilot licence unless exempt.
Marine pilots are employed by approved pilotage service providers and guide vessels safely into and out of Victorian ports.
A separate licence is required for each port.
Eligibility requirements
To apply for a pilot licence you must:
- be employed by an approved pilotage service provider
- meet the eligibility requirements in the current determination
- have a pilot training plan developed by your employing pilotage service provider and approved by Ports Victoria
Applications can be completed online.
Fees and charges
Applications attract:
- an application fee
- a licence issue fee
Ports Victoria will advise applicable fees and payment requirements.
A licence cannot be issued until all fees have been paid.
Licence progression
Step 1
Employment with an approved pilotage service provider
Step 2
Develop an approved pilot training plan
Step 3
Receive a trainee pilot licence
Step 4
Complete required training and port exposure
Step 5
Pass the pilotage examination
Step 6
Receive licence class and precinct conditions
Step 7
Progress through the applicable licensing framework
Licence status
A pilot licence is initially issued with a trainee condition and remains in force unless suspended or cancelled. Following successful completion of training and examination requirements, pilots progress through licence classes and precinct conditions relevant to the port in which they operate.