The Association of Forth Pilots, which comprises 23 Master Mariners, provides pilotage services in the Firth of Forth area of the Scottish east coast, from the Bass Rock and Fife Ness in the east to Grangemouth and Longannet in the west.
The pilotage area is extensive and covers the ports of Leith, Grangemouth and Rosyth, the crude oil terminal at Hound Point and gas terminal at Braefoot Bay, plus several smaller ports.
Ships handled vary from small coasters through to the largest passenger vessels, crude oil tankers, gas tankers and warships. If it floats, we will assist in safely moving it. All Forth Pilots are Master Mariners, and are examined and authorised by the Harbour Authority, Forth Ports Ltd.
Our pilots possess extensive navigational experience, local knowledge and ship-handling skills and are charged with safely and efficiently piloting vessels in the frequently challenging weather and tidal conditions of the Forth area, at all hours of the day and night, 365 days a year.
In 2009 the Association of Forth Pilots was the first pilotage district in the UK to achieve the International Standard for Maritime Pilotage Organizations (ISPO). Our pilotage operations are audited each year by Lloyds Register to ensure we continue to operate to the highest standards.
