Northeast Marine Pilots provide state-licensed marine pilotage services to qualifying vessels, including yachts, operating within compulsory pilotage waters of the northeastern United States. While many yacht movements are recreational in nature, certain yachts may be subject to compulsory pilotage requirements depending on size, registry, propulsion, and voyage segment.
This page is intended to help yacht owners, captains, managers, and agents understand when pilotage may apply and how to coordinate pilot services efficiently and safely.
All pilotage services are coordinated through NEMP Dispatch, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
WHEN PILOTAGE MAY APPLY TO YACHTS
Pilotage requirements for yachts are not uniform and depend on multiple factors, including:
- Gross tonnage
- U.S. or foreign registry
- Propulsion type
- Commercial versus private operation
- The specific state waters transited during a voyage
- Arrival, transit, and departure protocols
Because a single yacht voyage may cross multiple state pilotage jurisdictions, pilotage applicability can vary by segment of the transit. Northeast Marine Pilots does not determine or enforce pilotage applicability. Yacht owners and operators are responsible for determining compliance with applicable state and federal pilotage laws.
ORDERING A PILOT FOR A YACHT
All yacht pilotage requests must be placed by phone through NEMP Dispatch.
Advance notice guidelines: at minimum at least 24 hours prior to pilot boarding. Short-notice requests may be accommodated when operationally feasible.
Pilotage is not ordered online. Website content does not constitute a confirmation of service or the formation of a contract.
STATE-BY-STATE PILOTAGE CONSIDERATIONS
The following information is provided for general guidance only. Pilotage laws and interpretations may change, and applicability is determined by the appropriate authority.
| State | When Pilotage May Apply to Yachts | Yacht-Specific Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 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 law specifically exempts recreational vessels under 200 feet LOA from compulsory pilotage. |
| New York (LIS & 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. | New York’s Board of Commissioners of Pilots exempt recreational vessels under 200 feet LOA from compulsory pilotage in Long Island Sound. |
| Massachusetts | Foreign-flagged yachts, and U.S. yachts under register, of 350 gross tons or more, entering, departing, transiting, or shifting within pilotage districts may be subject to compulsory pilotage. | Massachusetts law does not provide a specific recreational yacht length exemption. Applicability is based on gross tonnage and cargo conditions |
WHAT YACHT OPERATORS CAN EXPECT
When pilotage services are provided, yacht operators can expect:
- State-licensed marine pilots with extensive local experience
- Professional coordination with the vessel’s bridge team
- Emphasis on safe navigation, situational awareness, and traffic management
- Clear communication with agents and port stakeholders
Pilotage services are provided solely in accordance with applicable law and dispatch availability. Yachts should contact dispatch to carefully plan compulsory pilotage. Use of tender services to be discussed with dispatch when ordering a pilot.