# Pilotage Dues

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> Pilotage dues differ from tonnage dues in that they pay for an active service rather than a vessel attribute: a licensed pilot boards the ship at the outer anchorage and takes navigational control, guiding it safely through channels, fairways, and confined harbour waters to the assigned berth.

Pilotage dues differ from tonnage dues in that they pay for an active service rather than a vessel attribute: a licensed pilot boards the ship at the outer anchorage and takes navigational control, guiding it safely through channels, fairways, and confined harbour waters to the assigned berth. Compulsory pilotage is the norm in most major commercial ports and on regulated waterways such as the Suez Canal or the St. Lawrence Seaway. Charges are levied by the local pilotage authority and typically scale with a vessel's gross tonnage, with surcharges for night transits or adverse weather. Pilotage dues are distinct from towage charges: the pilot directs, the tugs provide physical force – both services often run concurrently but are billed separately. Ship's agents include pilotage dues as a standard line item in the disbursement account.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilotage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilotage)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Pilotage Dues |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 134 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilotage |

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