How to Order a Pilot
Pilot orders are normally placed by locally based ship agents/representatives who hold established accounts with the Houston Pilots.
Minimum Time Required
The Houston Pilots require a minimum of four hours' notice for a vessel movement. We recommend as much notice as possible for vessels that are daylight restricted or require special consideration.
To Make Changes
If you have already ordered a Houston Pilot for an inbound or outbound ship and need to change a scheduled movement without penalty, the Houston Pilots require:
- Two hours notice on a sailing
- Four hours notice on an arrival
Cancellations
If you need to cancel, cancellation charges are listed in the Tariffs.
Pure Car Carriers and Obstructed Visibility Vessel Note
Pure Car Carriers and vessels with obstructed visibility must have a United States Coast Guard Special Traffic Management Request (STMR) approved before a pilot will be assigned. The STMR must be submitted 12 hours prior to the vessel entering the restricted area. The restricted area is all docks above Boggy Bayou.