Information for Commercial Ships

Pre-arrival information

Masters are required to complete and submit the ship pre-arrival form and submit it to the Harbourmaster at least 24 hours prior to entering into the Marlborough Harbour Limits.

Northern Entrance – Queen Charlotte Sound

The main pilot boarding station at the Northern Entrance to Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui. It is located at 41 04.62'S 174 18.92'E.

Tory Channel

There is no commercial pilotage in Tory Channel

Pelorus Sound / Admiralty Bay

Port Marlborough have licenced pilots for the Pelorus Sound and Admiralty Bay. Bookings are to be made directly with Port Marlborough.

French Pass

There is no commercial pilotage through French Pass.

Communication

Picton Harbour Radio operates on VHF 18 and provides information on harbour traffic and weather.

Inbound vessels must contact Picton Harbour Radio on VHF 18 at least two hours before arrival at the pilot station.

The pilot launch Endeavour departs Picton approximately 1.5 hours prior to the pilot's scheduled boarding time and maintains a listening watch on VHF 18.

Boarding instructions

The pilot will contact the inbound vessel from the pilot launch Endeavour on VHF 18 with boarding instructions.

Normally, the pilot will board on the line of the leading light with a boarding speed of 8 knots and the pilot ladder rigged on the lee side at 1.5 m above the water and no man ropes.

Passage plan

The pilot's passage plan will be provided during the Master Pilot exchange. A copy of the passage plan and waypoints are available on the Port Marlborough website.

Draft

The minimum charted depth in Queen Charlotte Sound is 13.2m for the passage to the berth. A 2 m UKC is required at all times.

Safety

Pilot life jackets are equipped with AIS and a strobe light. These will automatically activate if a pilot falls into the water.

Anchoring

Charted anchorages in the Marlborough Harbour can only be accessed with a pilot on board. Anchoring in any other location within harbour limits requires permission from the Harbourmaster.

Additional information

Masters, Owners and Agents should be aware of the Marlborough Navigation Safety Bylaw and any applicable Harbourmaster Directions for the region. Copies of the Bylaw and Directions can be obtained from the Harbourmaster.

Harbour Master contacts

Email: harbours@marlborough.govt.nz

Phone: +64 3 520 7400

Port and pilots contacts

Email: pilots@pmnz.co.nz