Pilotage for crossing the outer bar of Mobile Bay or navigating a vessel into or out of the bay or harbor of Mobile/Theodore effective March 15, 2024
GROSS TONNAGE CHARGE:
Tonnage charge per highest registered gross tonnage (Minimum of 6500 gross tons) $0.0763 per ton
DRAFT CHARGE:
Draft charge per foot of draft (Minimum of 15 feet) $46.44 per draft foot
When a vessel transits Mobile Bay and does not travel south of Mobile Ship Channel Buoy # 22, the tonnage charge will not be assessed.
When a Bar Pilot is required to shift a vessel within the harbor of Mobile or within Theodore Harbor, the charges shall be the same as the shifting charges of the Alabama State Port Authority.
When a vessel sails the harbor of Mobile or Theodore, and has to return to port for any reason, a round trip pilotage charge will be made if the vessel reaches a point south of Middle Bay Lighthouse. If the vessel turns around above this point, one way pilotage will be charged.
Additional Pilotage Fees
- Docking or undocking all vessels $183.34
- Turning charge (for any degree of turn)
Vessels 6,500 GT or less $152.79
Vessels over 6,500 GT $213.90
- Putting vessels on or off dry-dock $977.82
- Docking/undocking alongside another vessel/barge $305.57
- Detention (per hour or any part thereof) $366.69
When a pilot reports aboard a vessel at the time ordered and the vessels sailing is delayed for any reason, detention shall be charged until the pilot is dismissed or the vessel sails. Waiting time ends when the last line is let go, or if anchored, when the anchor is aweigh. If the delay is less than one hour, the fee is waived.
- Cancellation $366.69
Vessels on which the boarding time is cancelled without at least an hour and a half (1 ½) notice shall be charged a cancellation fee.
- Communication Fee $12.22
- Pilot Boat Fund $122.23
- Capital Boat Fund $55.00
- Capital Improvement Fee $61.12
- 5% “Transportation/Fuel Surcharge” to be included on every vessel transit charge.
- 1.5% “Safety Education Surcharge” to be included on every vessel transit charge.
Special Pilotage Rates
- Any vessel whose length is 1000 feet or greater regardless of beam shall require two (2) pilots. Two (2) regular pilotage rates and fees shall be charged. The Mobile Bar Pilots reserve the right to mandate daylight transit of any vessel whose length is 1000 feet to 1050 feet regardless of beam in the Mobile/Theodore Ship Channel(s) if the status of navigational aids or weather warrants. Any vessel whose length is over 1050 feet, regardless of beam, is subject to review of the Safety Committee and the majority of the pilots to determine if daylight transit is required.
- Vessels whose dimensions are 950 feet in length or greater and 150 feet in beam or greater, or with deadweight of 150,000 or greater: These vessels are required to take two (2) pilots. Two (2) regular pilotage rates and fees shall be charged. Other vessels may require the services of two (2) pilots if safety warrants.
- Drill Rigs and Drill Ships, Pipe Laying Barges, Derrick Barges and any “Special Purpose Vessels” required to be towed. Double Regular Pilotage Rates and Fees plus $611.14 per hour or part thereof for each pilot. One pilot aboard the towing vessel and one or more aboard the vessel/barge being towed when necessary. “Special Purpose Vessel”, for purposes of this section, is any vessel with non-traditional propulsion/rudders and/or not designed to typically use harbor tugs for maneuvering. This includes any self propelled or non self-propelled barges with restricted visibility due to the nature of its construction. The decision to add additional pilots to any towing job shall be made on a case by case basis and at the discretion of the Mobile Bar Pilots. Please check with the Mobile Bar Pilots for further explanation.
- Dead Ship Tows and Ocean-Going Barges required to be towed. Regular Pilotage Rates and Fees plus $488.91 per hour or part thereof for each pilot. One pilot aboard the towing vessel and one or more aboard the vessel/barge being towed when necessary. In cases where the pilot is not required to board the vessel/barge being towed for docking/undocking and the vessel/barge is typically docked/undocked from the towing tug, one pilot may be used. The decision to add additional pilots to any towing job shall be made on a case by case basis and at the discretion of the Mobile Bar Pilots. Please check with the Mobile Bar Pilots for further explanation.
- Details concerning safe boarding access for the pilot(s) of the vessel being towed should be given to the Mobile Bar Pilots prior to the vessels arrival.
- Carrying a pilot away from station: Any pilot who is carried away to another port due to heavy weather and before the Master has waited around Mobile bar for four (4) hours as prescribed by law, shall receive $977.82 per day for each day he is away, plus first class transportation back to Mobile, Alabama.
- Vessels whose beams exceed 115 feet docking or undocking at Atlantic Marine Shipyard: These vessels are required to take a full pilot and an assist pilot. The assist pilot charge is half (1/2) regular pilotage rates and fees.
- Special services: A charge of $305.57 per hour or part thereof shall be made for any special services not previously addressed by tariff. This shall apply to Dynamic Positioning Vessels and rigs, and effective April 1, 2007 any vessels conducting sea trials in state waters. This charge is in addition to regular pilotage fees.