Phelps Dunbar LLP,  New Orelans, has provided us with the following information

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U.S. statutes and regulations require vessels over 1600 gross tons on an international voyage to be equipped with an AIS pilot plug so that the pilot’s laptop can interface with the vessel’s AIS system. 46 USC §70114(b); 33 CFR §164.46(d) (effective October, 2003).

As these relatively new regulations have been phased in, the U.S. Coast Guard New Orleans Marine Safety Office has been relatively lenient, and merely issued letters of warning and requirement that non-functioning pilot plugs be repaired or installed before the next U.S. port visit.

Recently, however, the U.S. Coast Guard New Orleans Captain of the Port’s office required a vessel with a non-functioning pilot plug to go to anchor, and the vessel was restricted to anchorage until electronic technicians were able to board, repair and confirm the operational status of the pilot plug. Please note the U.S. Coast Guard restricted the vessel even though the Mississippi River pilot reported the vessel was in all other respects seaworthy, with no other defects in her electronic navigation equipment.

Fortunately, the vessel owner was able to arrange the attendance of an electronics technician relatively quickly and only about half day’s time was lost. However, our principals should be mindful that prompt attendance by electronic technicians may not always be possible, particularly on weekends, and in view of the risk of delay, to have vessel personnel test the pilot plug before entering U.S. waters.

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Member Alert is published by The Swedish Club as a service to members. While the information is believed correct, the Club cannot assume responsibility for completeness or accuracy.