Pacific Pilotage Tariff Amendments

Summary#

This is a proposed change to the Pacific Pilotage Tariff Regulations from the Pacific Pilotage Authority. If approved, it would raise overall pilotage charges, add a new per-assignment administration fee, change several specific surcharges and fees, and clarify when delay charges apply. The notice was published on January 4, 2020 and starts a 30-day objection/comment period; the changes are intended to take effect on April 1, 2020 if finalized.

What it does#

• Increases the basic tariff by 2.25% (this does not include fuel charges).
• Adds a new Pilotage Act administration charge of $57 per assignment.
• Raises the launch replacement fee from $60 to $100 per assignment to help pay for a new pilot launch.
• Cuts the Pine Island fuel surcharge by 50% (the notice replaces the Pine Island schedule with specific amounts).
• Clarifies the wording on delay charges so it is clearer when a ship must pay for pilot waiting time (no delay charge for periods under 40 minutes; double time charge applies thereafter).
• Adjusts a number of other fixed fees and hourly rates shown in the proposal, for example minimum total charge $1,087.33, out‑of‑region boarding charges of $2,097.95 and $2,797.63, and various time and cancellation charges (e.g. $234.82, $939.30, $1,878.59).

Who's affected#

• Commercial ship operators that use pilotage on the west coast of Canada, including tankers, cargo ships and cruise lines. Consulted industry groups named in the proposal include The Chamber of Shipping, The Shipping Federation of Canada, The International Shipowners’ Association, and The Cruise Lines International Association.
• Freight owners and shippers may see slightly higher transport costs if operators pass on the increases.
• The Pacific Pilotage Authority itself, since the changes are intended to raise revenue to cover operating costs, a new launch, and anticipated administration costs under the Pilotage Act.
• Small pleasure boats are generally not affected because they often seek waivers from compulsory pilotage; the proposal says the small business lens does not apply.

Why it matters#

• The Authority says current rates don’t cover rising pilotage costs. These changes are framed as needed to keep pilotage services safe and financially self-sufficient.
• For ship owners and operators, the fee increases and new $57 administration charge will raise operating costs. Over time, that can feed into freight and passenger prices.
• The launch replacement fee is aimed at ensuring more reliable pilot boat service by funding a new vessel.
• The proposal was consulted with industry groups but drew particular pushback over the new administration charge. This is still a proposal: people and organizations had a 30-day window from publication to object before the rules could be finalized.