“Beratung” Noord region (Eems)

Beratung is only available in certain weather conditions from German pilots. Beratung is possible for incoming and outgoing vessels if the pilot service has been suspended.

If adverse weather conditions make it impossible for pilots to embark or disembark incoming and outgoing vessels at sea (Westereems), larger ships (length >170 meters, RoRo length>140 meters, tankers length>120 meters) may request the pilot in the previous port of call or, alternatively, he/she may disembark in the ships next port of call. The remaining ships can be guided into and out of port with Beratung. This means that a German Beratung pilot will give directions to the ship via RADAR information and radio communications from a shore based position.

This radar information is by definition, however, not able to provide up to the minute accuracy concerning the course, the ship’s speed and its turning speed. As a result, the pilot is placed onboard an incoming ship as soon as he is able to as it approaches Borkum. With regards to an outgoing ship on the other hand, the pilot is disembarked as late as possible and from this point onwards, the ship continues its voyage using the directions of the Beratung pilot.