Pilotage

Pilotage is compulsory for ships over 50GT. The pilots are employed by the Curaçao Pilotage Organization (CPO), which offers 24-hour pilotage services. A 100% overtime charge applies for pilotage between 18.30-05.30 hours. Discounts are offered to cruise vessels. Vessels must provide a lighted, manned, properly secured and clean pilot ladder fitted with sufficient spreaders. A life buoy fitted with a Holmes light and a reliable heaving line should be placed close to the pilot ladder. The embarkation and disembarkation must be supervised by an officer. Vessels arriving or leaving with a free board exceeding 30 feet must use the accommodation ladder in conjunction with the pilot ladder (Safety of Life at Sea Convention 1960). Vessels bound for Curaçao should proceed to Willemstad harbor except on orders for another bay. Vessels in VHF-range should contact Vessel Traffic Control Center (call Fort Nassau) on VHF channel 12 for further instructions.

Pilot Station

Vessels should stay one mile southwest of the harbor entrance to await pilot. Both anchors should be ready for immediate use. Defects of engines, steering gear, anchor gear and other defects which influence maneuvering abilities of the vessel must be reported to the harbor master before entering. Applicable ship certificates need to be present and valid.