Pilotage

Littlehampton Harbour is a working port, supporting the import of bulk materials — notably for local asphalt production — and accommodating vessels up to 79 metres overall.

Other cargoes may be accepted by arrangement with the wharf operator. Safe navigation within the harbour and surrounding waters is a priority, and pilotage plays a critical role in achieving this.

The Littlehampton Harbour Board is a Competent Harbour Authority (CHA) under the Pilotage Act 1987, responsible for ensuring that vessels subject to pilotage are safely guided within harbour limits and designated CHA waters.

When Pilotage is Compulsory

Pilotage is mandatory for the following vessels:

Vessels of 60 gross tonnes (GT) or more.
Vessels ≥20 metres in length carrying more than 12 passengers.
Vessels towing or pushing another vessel where the combined tonnage exceeds 60GT.
Vessels ≥20 metres with a defect or deficiency that affects normal navigation, manoeuvrability, or compliance with the COLREGS (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) and/or STCW standards.

For the full Littlehampton Pilotage Directions (Updated August 2025), please follow this link

Pilotage Registration and Advance Notification

All commercial vessels operating in Littlehampton Harbour must be registered for pilotage:

Register your vessel for the first time here.
Registered vessels will be contacted for updates each April.
Vessels should notify the Harbour Office of pilotage requirements at least 24 hours prior to arrival.

Prior to acceptance, the following items are required:

Crew list
Copy of waste certificate
Ship’s information proforma

This ensures that pilotage operations remain safe, coordinated, and compliant.

Pilot Boarding and Operations

Pilot boarding and landing is carried out by the Board’s Pilot Boat ERICA, a blue-hulled, multi-purpose workboat marked “PILOT” and displaying pilotage lights when operating.

Boarding takes place approximately 1 nautical mile south-southeast of the main harbour entrance.
The Master of the vessel is responsible for informing the Pilot of:
- Ship’s length, draft, and beam
- Any defects or deficiencies that may affect the vessel’s operation

Once aboard, ERICA leads the vessel safely into the harbour, ensuring the channel is clear of other craft.

ERICA can also assist ships coming alongside.
Harbour staff are available to act as berthing crew if required.
Charges for pilotage and associated services are detailed in the Schedule of Charges.

Insurance Requirements

All vessels visiting Littlehampton Harbour must hold appropriate third-party liability insurance to cover potential risks during their stay and pilotage operations.

Pilotage Limits

The Harbour Board’s pilotage jurisdiction includes:

The Statutory Harbour Area (SHA) (highlighted in red on official charts)
The Competent Harbour Authority (CHA) area (outlined in magenta on the charlet opposite), defined as waters extending up to three nautical miles from the low water mark of ordinary spring tides, bounded:
- West: an imaginary line from Halnaker Mill to Middleton Church
- East: an imaginary line from Chanctonbury Ring to Goring Church

Even operations outside the harbour but within the CHA — such as beach recharging works, subsea cable installation, or other marine projects — may still require pilotage. All such operations should be discussed with the Duty Harbour Master in advance.