New provisions for marine pilots

11.04.2015 r.

New provisions for marine pilots

9 April 2015 saw the entry into force of regulation on recognition of pilot bases and training facilities for the marine pilots, issued by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development. It implements the provisions of the 2011 Polish Maritime Safety Act.

The Regulation introduces new procedures for recognition, renewal, suspension and voiding of certificates granted to training facilities and pilot training stations. It also sets forth the rules and criteria that should be applied when performing the audits.

The auditors, appointed by the Minister of Maritime Affairs, are obliged to conduct pre-recognition and pre-renewal audits in line with applicable provisions of the regulation as well as the provisions of the Polish Maritime Safety Act.

The regulation provides that the recognition certificate may be obtained either for training that cover a full training program, including practical training and simulator exercises, or for training covering simulator exercises only.

The new provisions allow the pilot training to be offered by any person or institution that meets the legal requirements to conduct educational activity in this regard. Pilot stations or training facilities shall be recognised as capable of offering such training, provided that the courses conducted during its run shall be taught by appropriately qualified personnel, in accordance with requirements set forth in the regulation.

Moreover, the training should be held in premises and with aid of equipment meeting the necessary regulatory criteria in a manner that allows for the pilot training to be completed. The station or training facility shall be recognised as capable of offering maritime pilot training only if they have implemented a quality management system and can document this fact with appropriate certificate. Newly established stations and facilities need to obtain such quality management system certificates within a year from commencing their activity.