Legal Definitions - half-pilotage

Definition: Half-pilotage is a type of compensation that a pilot receives for navigating a vessel, which is equal to half the value of services that the pilot has offered to perform. It is a way for shipowners to avoid compulsory pilotage in some jurisdictions by paying half the amount.

Example: If a pilot offers to navigate a vessel into or out of a harbor or through a channel or passage, the shipowner can avoid compulsory pilotage by paying half the amount of the pilot's fee. For instance, if the pilot's fee is $100, the shipowner can pay $50 to the pilot as half-pilotage.

Explanation: The example illustrates how half-pilotage works in practice. Shipowners can avoid compulsory pilotage by paying half the amount of the pilot's fee, which is a legal requirement in some jurisdictions. This compensation is equal to half the value of services that the pilot has offered to perform, and it is a way for shipowners to save money while still getting the necessary guidance for navigating their vessels.