How to get a Pilot Exemption Certificate

Applying for a P.E.C. 

To apply for an expansion of a pilot exemption certificate, the "Application form for a pilot exemption certificate" should be used.

Applicants must enclose a copy of a valid navigator licence and a copy of their discharge book. Documentation from the shipowning company or accounting firm is required for fishing vessels.

The following documentation is accepted for completed voyages:  certification from a state pilot or certification from the shipowning company.

In addition, a self-declaration must be enclosed confirming that the applicant has been responsible for navigation on the entire stretch for the number of times stipulated in the regulations.

Whoever applies for a pilot exemption certificate must hold a deck officer licence that is valid for the vessel or vessels for which a pilot exemption certificate application has been submitted.

Application criteria

One of the following criteria must be satisfied in order to apply for a pilot exemption certificate:

1. Minimum 1 year of effective sea service as a responsible navigator on the Norwegian coast, where the area of service encompasses the fairways or areas for which a pilot exemption certificate application has been submitted.
2. You must have completed the trainee pilot exemption certificate scheme for the fairways or areas for which the pilot exemption certificate application has been submitted, cf. Sections 19, 20 and 21.
3. Over the last 12 months you must have been in charge of the navigation of at least six voyages in each direction in the fairways or areas for which the pilot exemption certificate application has been submitted. The voyages must have been made by the vessel or vessels for which the pilot exemption certificate application has been submitted, and at least two of the voyages in each direction must have been during the hours of darkness.

Pilot exemption certificate examination

An examination must be taken in order to obtain a pilot exemption certificate. The examination must also be taken for any expansion of the scope or validity area of the pilot exemption certificate.

The examination consists of a theoretical and a practical part that is carried out on board. One of the Norwegian Coastal Administration's pilots will conduct the examination and evaluate the candidate's effort. The Norwegian Coastal Administration may determine that the examination requirement can be waived partially or in full.

Knowledge requirements

For the theoretical pilot exemption certificate examination, the applicant must demonstrate that he/she has adequate knowledge of:

1. Coastal navigation methods, including knowledge of the nature of the waters, as well as the markers and beacons, traffic conditions, ports and anchorage sites in the relevant areas. 
2. Current conditions and other conditions of significance for safe navigation and manoeuvring, including areas where shallow water effects must be anticipated. 
3. For the vessel(s) for which the pilot exemption certificate application is submitted, the equipment, manoeuvrability characteristics, cargo capacity and what cargoes the ship is certified to carry.
4. Coastal route planning and an understanding of nautical charts. 
5. The current regulations for the relevant areas, including sailing regulations and reporting requirements. 
6. Matters of significance to safety and the environment in the relevant areas, including emergency preparedness. 
7. English language skills that enable problem-free communication. 

 
For the practical pilot exemption certificate examination, the applicant must demonstrate that he/she has the required skills in:

1. Coastal navigation methods, including demonstrating the required knowledge of the nature of the waters and the traffic conditions in the relevant areas. 
2. Manoeuvring of the relevant vessel type. 
3. Visual navigation, including correct use of beacons and markers. 
4. Radar navigation and correct use of the vessel's other navigational aids. 
5. Communication methods, including relevant communication in English. 
6. Teamwork on the bridge - Bridge Resource Management (BRM). 
7. Use of a tugboat as required. 

Amendment of the pilot exemption certificate

Upon application, the pilot exemption certificate may be amended to apply to one or more other specific vessels of a similar type and size as that for which the pilot exemption certificate applies, without being required to take a new examination (pursuant to Section 14).

Validity and renewal

The pilot exemption certificate is valid for three years after issuance. The pilot exemption certificate can be renewed upon application if the applicant can document that he/she has maintained his/her knowledge of the waters in the area for which the the renewal application has been submitted during the certificate's validity period. A renewal is valid for three years at a time.

Trainee pilot exemption certificate

A person who is not qualified to obtain a pilot exemption certificate can apply for a trainee pilot exemption certificate from the Norwegian Coastal Administration. Whoever applies for a trainee pilot exemption certificate must:

1. Have completed a coastal sailing course approved by the Norwegian Coastal Administration.
2. Be able to submit a written agreement concerning systematic training in coastal sailing with the owner of the vessel in question and the shipmaster on the vessel in question. 

The application must state for what fairways the trainee pilot exemption certificate application has been submitted. The Norwegian Coastal Administration can stipulate conditions for completion of the systematic training.

Inquiries concerning pilot exemption certificate applications:

Telephone: +47 56 16 44 20
Fax: + 47 56 16 44 21
E-mail:  
Postal address: Kystverket Vest, 5947 FEDJE