The three main french pilotage stations in the Channel - North Sea have changed their recruitment conditions for taking a pilotage examination.
These changes are in line with the current navigational conditions for merchant navy officers, in particular the application of the 35-hour limit in shipping companies, which de facto extends the time required to gain the necessary maritime experience. The difference in actual sailing time should make it possible to rebalance the opportunities of long-distance sailors, who are currently at a disadvantage compared with their colleagues on ferries.
Original annoucement on LinkedIn by "Station de Pilotage Le Havre - Fécamp":
"The conditions for recruiting pilots for the Le Havre station are changing.
The age limit is raised to 36 years.
The time actually required is 72 months or 66 months for candidates who have completed at least 18 months of long-distance or international cabotage on armed 1st category vessels.
These new conditions will apply from the next competition in May 2020.
A prefectural decree will be published shortly.
The conditions of physical fitness remain unchanged, in accordance with the decree of 23 January 2018.
"
These changes are in line with the current navigational conditions for merchant navy officers, in particular the application of the 35-hour limit in shipping companies, which de facto extends the time required to gain the necessary maritime experience. The difference in actual sailing time should make it possible to rebalance the opportunities of long-distance sailors, who are currently at a disadvantage compared with their colleagues on ferries.
Original annoucement on LinkedIn by "Station de Pilotage Le Havre - Fécamp":
"The conditions for recruiting pilots for the Le Havre station are changing.
The age limit is raised to 36 years.
The time actually required is 72 months or 66 months for candidates who have completed at least 18 months of long-distance or international cabotage on armed 1st category vessels.
These new conditions will apply from the next competition in May 2020.
A prefectural decree will be published shortly.
The conditions of physical fitness remain unchanged, in accordance with the decree of 23 January 2018.
"
