Yacht Pilotage Information for New England Waters

Yacht pilotage depends on vessel size, flag, registry status, route, port, and waters transited.

Forms and email are not pilot orders. Pilot orders, changes, and cancellations must be placed by phone.

When Pilotage May Apply to Yachts

Pilotage requirements are not uniform. A single yacht transit may cross multiple jurisdictions, and requirements may vary by state, vessel status, and route.

Before Contacting Dispatch, Gather:

Vessel name
Flag state
Registry or documentation status
Length overall
Beam
Gross tonnage
Draft
Private, charter, or commercial use

Departure port
Destination port
Intended route
Waters to be transited
Requested Pilot On Board time
Boarding arrangement
Captain, yacht manager, or agent contact information

Complete the Yacht Information Form

Complete the Yacht Information Form before service planning, so Dispatch has the vessel and contact details needed for coordination.

NOTICE: This form is not a pilot order.

Consult with Dispatch Early.

Required: Yacht Information Form

After submitting the form, call 24/7 Dispatch: 401-847-9050 to place, confirm, change, or cancel a pilot order.

Ordering a Pilot for a Yacht

Pilot orders, changes, and cancellations must be placed by phone through Dispatch.

Arrival, transit, or Pilot On Board: 24 hours
Departure: 12 hours
Shift: as soon as possible

Call 24/7 Dispatch: 401-847-9050

State-by-State Pilotage Considerations

Pilotage rules vary by state, vessel status, route, and waters transited. Always verify applicability before the voyage.

Rhode Island

Foreign-flagged yachts and U.S. yachts under register entering, departing, or transiting state waters within NEMP’s service zone may be subject to compulsory pilotage under state law.

Rhode Island laws generally exempt recreational vessels under 200 feet LOA from compulsory pilotage.

Connecticut / Long Island Sound

Foreign-flagged yachts and U.S. yachts under register entering, departing, or transiting Connecticut waters of Long Island Sound may be subject to pilotage requirements under state law.

Connecticut includes an exemption for recreational vessels under 200 feet LOA, but vessel status and voyage details still matter.

New York / Long Island Sound & Block Island Sound

Foreign-flagged yachts and U.S. yachts under register transiting New York state waters of Long Island Sound or Block Island Sound east of Execution Rocks and Sands Point may be subject to pilotage under state law.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts does not use the same recreational-yacht length language as Connecticut or New York.

Foreign-flagged yachts and U.S. yachts under register, of 350 gross tons or more, entering, departing, transiting, or shifting require compulsory pilotage.

Pilotage services are provided solely in accordance with applicable law and dispatch availability. Yachts should contact Dispatch to plan compulsory pilotage carefully. Use of tender services to be discussed with Dispatch when ordering a pilot.

Boarding and Arrival Coordination

Yacht boarding arrangements may vary by freeboard, hull form, speed, weather, sea state, route, and pilot boat access.

Preferred boarding side
Freeboard at the boarding point
Pilot ladder or boarding arrangement
Tender availability
Destination, berth, marina, or anchorage
Planned disembarkation location

Call 24/7 Dispatch: 401-847-9050

Ready to Coordinate a Yacht Transit?

Complete the Yacht Information Form, then call Dispatch to place or confirm any pilot order.

Arrival, transit, or Pilot On Board: 24 hours
Departure: 12 hours
Shift: as soon as possible

Call 24/7 Dispatch: 401-847-9050

Complete Yacht Information Form