Rule 494-1-1-.27. Prearrival, Preshifting and Predeparture Conference

1. (1) Upon boarding every vessel the assigned pilot shall confer with the vessel's master for the purpose of communicating certain information to the vessel master and receiving certain information from the master concerning the ship. The conference shall include but not be limited to the following subjects:

   1. (a) Prevailing wind and sea conditions;
   2. (b) Intended maneuvers;
   3. (c) Underkeel clearances if appropriate;
   4. (d) Bridge clearances if required.;
   5. (e) Vessel traffic conditions, blown congestion areas, dredging projects underway, Coast Guard movement restrictions, predicted inclement weather conditions, visibility, and such other matters of special safety interest that may arise during the transit;
   6. (f) Pilot boat operations;
   7. (g) Any special maneuvering limitations of the vessel;
   8. (h) Upon the vessel's departure from a berth or anchorage, the adequacy of the temperature of the fuel oil to assure that the engine(s) may properly respond to speed orders.
2. (2) The pilot shall be satisfied that the vessel master with whom the pilot confers is sufficiently fluent in the English language to understand the meaning of the pilot's communication. If not, the vessel shall provide a suitable translator.
3. (3) If the pilot is not satisfied of the adequacy of the conference, he or she may refuse to move the vessel until proper communications are effected.

Authority: Authority O.C.G.A. Sec. 52-6-11.

History. Original Rule entitled "Prearrival, Preshifting and Predeparture Conference" adopted. F. May 31, 1994; eff. June 20, 1994.

Amended: F. Sept. 16, 2010; eff. Oct. 6, 2010.