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.
General guidance provided is to help yacht owners, captains, managers, and agents understand when pilotage may apply and how to coordinate pilot services efficiently and safely. Website content or electronic communications do not constitute a confirmation of service or the formation of a contract.
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 along 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
Pilot requests must be placed by phone. The required yacht information form and/or email are not substitutes for calling Dispatch.
Advance notice guidelines: at a minimum, at least 24 hours before pilot boarding. NEMP may accommodate short-notice requests, subject to operational feasibility.
STATE-BY-STATE PILOTAGE CONSIDERATIONS
General guidance by state is below. Pilotage laws and interpretations may change, and the appropriate authority determines applicability. Yachts are encouraged to plan early with Dispatch, as transits often cross the different jurisdictional boundaries.
| 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. | 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 | 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 based on gross tonnage and cargo conditions |
WHAT YACHT OPERATORS CAN EXPECT
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 plan compulsory pilotage carefully. Use of tender services to be discussed with Dispatch when ordering a pilot.