Legal Definitions - speaking a vessel

Speaking a vessel

In maritime law, the term "speaking a vessel" refers to the formal act by which a licensed maritime pilot offers their professional navigation services to the captain of a ship. This offer typically occurs when a vessel is approaching a harbor, port, or a waterway that requires local piloting expertise for safe passage, such as a narrow channel or a congested area. The act signifies the pilot's readiness and availability to guide the ship, which is often a legal requirement in specific waters.

Here are some examples:

• A large crude oil tanker is approaching the designated pilot boarding area outside a major coastal port. A pilot boat pulls alongside, and the pilot on board uses a VHF radio to contact the tanker's bridge, stating their name, license number, and formally offering to board and guide the vessel through the harbor entrance and to its berth. This radio communication, explicitly offering their services, constitutes speaking a vessel.

• A cargo ship is navigating a long, winding river channel that leads to an inland industrial dock. As the ship reaches a specific marker, a local river pilot, who has been tracking the vessel's progress, contacts the ship's captain via radio. The pilot identifies themselves and offers their specialized knowledge of the river's currents, depths, and potential hazards to assist in the safe passage upriver. This direct offer of navigation assistance for the challenging waterway is an instance of speaking a vessel.

• A passenger ferry is preparing to dock in a busy, tide-affected harbor known for strong crosscurrents. A harbor pilot, who specializes in maneuvering large vessels in these particular conditions, approaches the ferry in a pilot boat. The pilot then signals or communicates with the ferry's bridge, offering to come aboard and provide expert guidance for the precise and safe berthing operation. This proactive offer of specialized docking assistance is considered speaking a vessel.