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Home › Navigation › Pilotage and Under Keel Clearance in Restricted Areas
Operational guide · Operational procedure

Pilotage and Under Keel Clearance in Restricted Areas

SOLAS V/34 requires the voyage plan; A.893(21) develops the UKC criterion, while minimum margin and method follow authority/port requirements, Company policy, current data and ship-specific procedures.

pilotageunder keel clearancemanoeuvringmaster-pilot exchange

Operational Explanation

The pilot's presence does not relieve the Master or OOW of their duties and obligations. UKC does not follow a universal formula: as applicable the calculation includes draught, squat, density, tide and uncertainty, heel/list, wave response, charted-depth quality/CATZOC, survey/dredging allowance and port/Company limits.

Regulatory Reference

SOLAS V/34: voyage plan. A.893(21): hazards, sufficient sea room and minimum UKC in critical areas. A.960(23): the pilot does not relieve the Master/OOW of their duties and obligations.

Scope of Application

Pilotage passages and restricted-depth areas. Minimum UKC and method follow port/authority requirements, Company policy, ship-specific procedure and current information.

Procedure / How to Complete It

  1. Collect charts, survey/dredging status, tide, density, weather/sea and ship limits.
  2. Apply the approved UKC method including relevant factors and uncertainties.
  3. Share plan, limits, abort points, tug/berth data and communication protocol during MPX.
  4. Master and bridge team independently monitor pilot actions and UKC.
  5. If margin or data are insufficient, delay or alter the passage under procedure.

Practical Example

Apparently adequate charted depth is not enough: CATZOC, tide uncertainty, squat, density and wave response may consume the planned margin.

What Typically Goes Wrong

Attributing a simplified UKC formula directly to SOLAS V/34 or treating the pilot as a transfer of ship responsibility.

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

MistakeConsequenceHow to Avoid It
Attributing a simplified UKC formula directly to SOLAS V/34 or treating the pilot as a transfer of ship responsibility.Incorrect operational decision or regulatory statusUse the primary reference and ship-specific procedure

What the PSCO Checks

Voyage plan, MPX, applicable UKC method and minimum, data quality, independent monitoring and abort/contingency decisions.

Operational Tips

Preparation checklist

FAQ

Does SOLAS V/34 prescribe a UKC formula?
No. It requires a voyage plan; A.893(21) addresses clearance and the concrete method follows applicable requirements.
Does the pilot assume navigational responsibility?
No. The pilot's presence does not relieve the Master or OOW of their duties and obligations.
Which factors are used?
All factors applicable to ship, route and data quality under the approved method.

Related Topics

Anchoring and Anchor WatchBridge Resource Management

Last substantive revision of this page: 31 August 2026 · page fingerprint 15007856681b