| Pilotage |
![]() Pilots are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Vessels requiring pilots should notify the Harbour Master 24 hours in advance, or alternatively, arrange pilotage through the Ship’s Agent. An update should be transmitted to the Harbour Watchroom 2 hours before arrival, confirming ETA and draft. The Harbour Watchroom maintains a 24 hour watch on VHF Channel 12, for the purposes of updating vessel arrival time. The Pilot generally boards in a position 0.25 miles east of Arnish Point Lighthouse. Any defects in the navigational equipment or propulsion/thrusters should be notified to the Pilot in advance of boarding. All vessels should reduce speed to approximately 3 knots to facilitate Pilot transfer from the Pilot vessel. The Stornoway Harbour Pilot boat ‘Portrona’ is a 14 metre length vessel fully certificated by the MCA as compliant with the Merchant Shipping (Small Workboats and Pilot Boats) Regulations 1998. ‘Portrona’ is certified by the MCA to carry a maximum of 12 persons. The ‘Portrona’ is not equipped for use as a Tug, although in some circumstances she may be used to assist with berthing operations. |