Pilotage and navigation

Across our ports our team of experienced pilots provide navigation and pilotage services to all visiting vessels, working with visiting Captains and their crew as well as local tug and line boat providers and mooring crews to safely berth vessels.

Our pilots have extensive local knowledge of conditions, passages, navigation route and aids, our ports, and so much more.

Pilot transfers occur via ladder from visiting vessels to our local pilot boats. All pilot ladders must be in line with SOLAS V/23 and IMO Resolution A.1045 (27). View our Local Marine Notices for pilot ladder guidance.

Fees and charges

The following charges apply between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027.

Pilotage (vessel)

Pilotage applies unless vessel is subject to a valid pilotage exemption certificate at the port. Pilotage is levied on all vessel movements into, out of or within the port where services of a pilot are required.

Port of Albany

	Per unit	Berth/s	Excluding GST	Including GST
All vessels other than Small vessels	vessel movement	All	$8,105.000	$8,915.500
Small vessels <=1,000 GRT	vessel movement	All	$2,026.200	$2,228.820
Pilot detention	hour or part thereof	All	$2,026.200	$2,228.820
Pilot cancellation (within two hours of booking)	each	All	$4,052.500	$4,457.750

Port of Bunbury

	Per unit	Berth/s	Excluding GST	Including GST
All vessels	vessel movement	All	$7,389.500	$8,128.450
Pilot detention	hour or part thereof	All	$1,847.400	$2,032.140
Pilot cancellation (within two hours of booking)	each	All	$3,694.800	$4,064.280

Port of Esperance

	Per unit	Berth/s	Excluding GST	Including GST
All vessels	vessel movement	All	$11,096.500	$12,206.150
Pilot call out (vessel at berth)	each	All	$5,548.300	$6,103.130
Pilot detention	hour or part thereof	All	$2,774.200	$3,051.620
Pilot cancellation (within two hours of booking)	each	All	$5,548.300	$6,103.620

Navigation services (vessel)

Navigation services for vessels is levied based on the total Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of the vessel berthing at the port.

Port of Albany

	Per unit	Berth/s	Excluding GST	Including GST
All vessels other than Passenger and Small vessels	vessel GRT¹	All	$0.960	$1.056
Passenger vessels	vessel GRT¹	All	$0.390	$0.429
Small vessels	vessel GRT¹	All	$0.240	$0.264

Port of Bunbury

	Per unit	Berth/s	Excluding GST	Including GST
All vessels other than Passenger vessels	vessel GRT¹	All	$1.360	$1.496
Passenger vessels	vessel GRT¹	All	$0.540	$0.594

Port of Esperance

	Per unit	Berth/s	Excluding GST	Including GST
All vessels other than Passenger or Container vessels	vessel GRT¹	1,2	$1.840	$2.024
All vessels other than Passenger or Container vessels	vessel GRT¹	3	$2.500	$2.450
Passenger and Container vessels	vessel GRT¹	All	$0.740	$0.814