FAQs
What compulsory pilotage districts does ARP service?
- 1) Great North East Channel
- 2) Inner Route
- 3) Hydrographers Passage
- 4) Whitsunday Passage
What are the compulsory pilotage requirements for ships?
All vessels of 70m LOA, and all loaded oil tankers, chemical tankers and liquefied gas carriers irrespective of size.
What seagoing qualifications do ARP pilots have?
ARP pilots have at least 36 months' command service after obtaining a Master unlimited or naval equivalent.
What is the max allowable draft for ships transiting Torres Strait?
The maximum allowable draft for transiting Torres Strait is currently 12.20 metres.
Are there any other draft restrictions?
There are two (2) pilot boarding grounds at the western approaches to Torres Strait.
Ships of 8.0 metres draft or more must board/disembark pilot at Area A (Booby Island: 10° 36’S, 141° 50’E).
Vessels of less than 8.0m draft may board/disembark pilot at Area B (Goods Island: 10° 34’S, 142° 04’E). A Goods Island boarding or disembarkation will avoid an additional pilotage/launch cost.
Ships of 8.0 metres draft or more must board/disembark pilot at Area A (Booby Island: 10° 36’S, 141° 50’E).
Vessels of less than 8.0m draft may board/disembark pilot at Area B (Goods Island: 10° 34’S, 142° 04’E). A Goods Island boarding or disembarkation will avoid an additional pilotage/launch cost.
How much notice is required to book a pilot?
Preferably five (5) days if possible but to avoid disappointment, it is best to try and give at least three (3) days due to pilot relocation difficulties in remote areas.
If my ship is not making an Australian port call is it necessary to appoint an Australian agent for the Torres Strait transit?
No, ARP is pleased to deal directly with overseas clients; however, if the client has no credit terms with ARP, then advance funding will be required.
What is the usual pilot transfer method?
Pilots generally transfer by launch except for Hydrographers Passage ships where pilot transfer is by helicopter with ships requiring helicopter landing capability as per Marine Order 14/2011
Are ARP Reef pilotage services available at all hours?
Yes, ARP provides 24/7 pilotage services.
What is the difference in distance between transiting via the Inner Route in comparison with via the Great North East Channel and Outer Route to east coast Australian ports?
Distance saved taking the Inner Route is around 181 miles, which can mean a saving of time and associated fuel burn of up to fifteen (15) hours. For ships to/from Gladstone, the distance savings is around 269 miles. The additional Inner Route pilotage cost is insignificant given the time/fuel savings.
What is the difference in distance between transiting the Inner Route in comparison with via the Great North East Channel and Outer Route when heading to New Zealand?
Distance saved taking the Inner Route is around 91 miles, which can mean a saving of time and associated fuel burn of up to eight (8) hours. For ships to/from Wellington, the distance saving is around 121 miles. The additional Inner Route pilotage cost is insignificant given the time/fuel savings.
For ships sailing from Hay Point / DBCT to Europe is it more cost effective to route southbound via the Great Australian Bight or northbound via Torres Strait or Hydrographers and east of PNG?
The northbound route via Torres Strait reduces distance by 140 miles and also avoids the debilitating head winds and westerly swells in the Great Australian Bight; however, draft is restricted to 12.20 metres maximum. For ships tracking via Hydrographers Passage/Jomard/Vitiaz Strait/Sagewin Strait/Lombok Strait and the Cape of Good Hope, the distance is about 600 miles longer; however, it usually results in reduced steaming time, especially in the winter months.
What are the compulsory pilotage requirements for a tug and tow?
If the tug or the tow are 70m LOA or greater, a pilot must be carried. The length of the tow is not a consideration.
Is ARP able to supply charts to transiting ships?
Yes, our Torres Strait pilot station keeps a stock of local charts that can be taken on board by the boarding pilot. If charts for areas outside Torres Strait and the Great Barrier Reef are required, then around three (3) days’ notice is required to allow delivery from the Cairns supplier.
Is ARP able to assist with crew changes in Torres Strait?
We are able to assist with crew changes/spares if required. Crew members embarking and disembarking in Australia require a Maritime Crew Visa (MCV). There are 2 flights between Cairns and Torres Strait daily. To ensure proper Customs/Immigration/Quarantine documentation, we recommend the appointment of an Australian agent.
