Pilotage exemption certificates

You can apply to revalidate a pilotage exemption certificate (PEC) by email.

It must be emailed to pec@nt.gov.au or it will not be processed.

You must revalidate your PEC before your existing certificate expires.

Your application will not be accepted if you apply after your existing certificate has expired. 

If it has expired, you will have to apply for a new certificate instead.

Before you apply

To revalidate your certificate you must have all of the following:  

• a certificate of competency that is: 
  • current as an Australian Master appropriate for the size of vessel
  • a current certificate of recognition issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)
  • or a current certificate of competency as Master appropriate for the size of vessel, not issued by AMSA but eligible for the issue of a certificate of recognition by AMSA through bilateral agreement with the issuing flag state a current certificate of competence or a certificate of recognition issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) appropriate to the size of the vessel.
• a valid certificate of medical fitness in accordance with marine orders part 9
• a record of trips demonstrating not less than 12 trips through the pilotage zones on the exempt seaman's PEC.

How to revalidate

Follow these steps to revalidate your PEC.

Step 1: Application

Fill in the PEC application form and submit this with the documents listed above to pec@nt.gov.au.

The application will not be accepted unless all documentation is submitted with the application and complete.

Step 2: Pay invoice

The invoice will be sent to the address included in your application form. Read about marine fees including PEC fees.

Step 3: Pilot assessment

You must conduct a pilot check run with a licensed pilot through the compulsory pilotage zones noted on your certificate. 

To book a pilot assessment email shipping@darwinport.com.au and copy your email to pec@nt.gov.au.

Once you have completed the pilot check run, you will be emailed a new certificate.

For more information on how to apply see the flow chart below. 

• revalidate your PEC checklist PDF (156.4 KB)
• revalidate your PEC checklist DOCX (194.8 KB)