Passage plans & boarding grounds

Our experienced pilots ensure all vessels arrive and depart on time with the highest safety standards observed. 

For more information, phone +64 3 472 9883 (24 hours a day) or email the Port Otago Marine Team.

Vessel Arrival Information Sheet (VAIS)

All vessels must also complete a Vessel Arrival Information Sheet (below) and supply to Port Otago at least 24 hours before arrival.

Port Chalmers VAIS

Dunedin VAIS

Engine power limiters - over-ridable power limiter

Pilot boarding ladder requirements

Passage Plans

Otago Harbour Pilotage Guide rev 7.0.pdf

Approaches and Boarding Grounds

Recommended Anchorage Position

Anchorage Position: Lat - 45’ 42.89” South    Long - 170’ 41.72” East

Pilot Boarding Areas

There are two Pilot boarding areas on the approaches to the entrance to Otago Harbour.

Alpha – Position: Lat -45’ 42.83” South Long - 170’ 44.80” East  
Bravo – Position: Lat -45’ 43.58” South Long – 170’ 43.69” East

Pilot boarding ground Alpha is the preferred Pilot boarding ground for larger cruise vessels and also for container vessels greater than 225m LOA and oil tankers. This boarding ground allows sufficient time for the Pilot to move from the top of the Pilot ladder to the Bridge to conduct the Master/Pilot information exchange prior to closing on the Fairway Beacon.

Boarding Grounds Doctored