A vessel engaged as a pilot boat may be recognised as either
a dedicated pilot boat which is certificated as a pilot boat or a
certificated Small Commercial Vessel which is engaged as a pilot boat
from time to time.
A pilot boat should be certificated, even if it does not operate
at sea.
The requirements of the Code apply generally to
all vessels. Requirements for a pilot boat are, in certain matters
of safety, either additional or alternative to the requirements of
the Code.
Under the Merchant Shipping (Small Commercial
Vessels and Pilot Boats) Regulations 2004 the Secretary of State may
exempt any pilot boat from any or all of the provisions of the part
of the regulations dealing with pilot boats. In granting an exemption,
the Secretary of State may do so on such terms (if any) as he may
specify if he is satisfied that compliance with such provision is
either impracticable or unreasonable in the case of a pilot boat and
may, subject to giving reasonable notice, alter or cancel any such
exemption. Applications for exemption should be submitted through
the Certifying Authority for a pilot boat to the MCA for consideration.
The MCA is empowered to grant exemptions on behalf of the Secretary
of State.