Opinion

Example of a Passage Plan used by Portsmouth Pilots, UK


by Tim Cummins, Portsmouth, UK - published on 10 February 2021 749 -

This is an uncontrolled example of the latest passage plan used by the Pilot Service at Portsmouth International Port.

Created by me, I used Annex G of the UK Government's 'A Guide to Good Practice on Port Marine Operations' as my initial starting point. I then searched for and reviewed as many publicly available passage plans from major port operators across the World to gauge the industry standard and for inspiration.

And, this is the result. However, this is now version 5. This passage plan is reviewed as I receive feedback from users, or recognised that parts can be improved for added safety, or enhance Master-Pilot information exchange or I see another good example of a port passage plan for ideas.
Click on Image for Download
Click on Image for Download
Click on Image for Download
Click on Image for Download
Please note, the nautical charts are copyrighted but the port has an agreement to use them in their passage plans in print and for online publication.

If you wish to discuss with me about this passage plan please message me directly.
Editor's note:
Opinion pieces reflect the personal opinion of individual authors. They do not allow any conclusions to be drawn about a prevailing opinion in the respective editorial department. Opinion pieces might be deliberately formulated in a pronounced or even explicit tone and may contain biased arguments. They might be intended to polarise and stimulate discussion. In this, they deliberately differ from the factual articles you typically find on this platform, written to present facts and opinions in as balanced a manner as possible.

Join the conversation...

Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
hm
hassan mohammadi Persian Gulf Pilot Maritime Services Co., Iran
on 11 February 2021, 14:19 UTC

It is better to place a schematic image of the ship somewhere in the passage plan and draw the exact position of the tugs on it in each operation.
0

Read more...

Opinion Example of a passage and berthing plan

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 19 June 2020

As part of a good Master-Pilot exchange (MPX) the passage plan and berthing plan is discussed with the bridge team.

0

Video Look at Life - City of Sailors - Portsmouth - 1965, UK

published on 18 March 2021

Look at Life - City of Sailors - Portsmouth - 1965
Portsmouth is no longer the sea-faring city it once was; this film from the Documentary Series "Look At Life" Volume 5 - Cultural Heritage in 1965 looks at its changing face.

0

Opinion Scientific Fact: The ‘traditional’ understanding of the ship’s pivot point is wrong!

by Tim Cummins, Harbour Pilot, Portsmouth International Port - published on 9 July 2020

In fact, the pivot point that we “see” is a trick of the eye, it looks like the ship is rotating about this point but in fact it is elsewhere, a point that you cannot see.

Article Pilot Walter del Río: "I work 24 hours and book the next four days".

published on 19 October 2021

Experiences of a Pilot: The port's chief pilot talks about his work, "what we do is not well known in the city", and about the risk they run, "on a bad day we can get scared", he says.

1

Article St. Andrew’s Bay Pilots Mourn the Loss of Captain Phillip Brady

by Florida Harbor Pilots Association - published on 16 January 2026

The St. Andrew’s Bay Pilots are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Captain Phillip Brady, age 46, on January 12, 2026.

0

Video Eden Pilot Station & it's Harbour Masters-Pilots

published on 17 August 2020

Created by Eden Killer Whale Museum in association with a display, 'Navigating the way' looking back at the 160 years of history of Eden's Pilot Station and its harbour masters-pilots.
'Navigating the way' was on display from 19 August 2020.

0

Article A journey back in time: films of pilotage from 1940 to 1975 (USA, UK and Germany)

by Frank Diegel - published on 18 May 2020

Let us start a journey back in time. Back to the black and white films of history. The times have changed, but it is good to know what kind of things have changed and where are the roots of pilotage.

0

Opinion Leadership in Pilotage: Strategic Command and Navigational Mastery

by Maritime Pilot Abolfazl Farajnezam - published on 11 February 2025

Among the few marine professions that purse a man's technical skills and value very high, maritime piloting perhaps is in a class of its own. In this career, the pilot is entrusted to maneuver vessels through some of the most challenging and congested waterways while ensuring seamless integration between shipboard operations and port infrastructure.

3

Article Insurer Pays Out After Port Agent Fails to Book Pilot

published on 13 May 2025

A recent case reported by the International Transport Intermediaries Club (ITIC) underscores how a seemingly minor oversight can lead to significant costs.

0

Article IMPA Investigates the Use of Remote Piloting

published on 2 September 2024

IMPA is conducting a study to gain significant insights into the current and potential use of "remote piloting" on conventional ships as well as those that may be remotely operated or navigated by autonomous software in the future.

1