Denmark sets up shared pilotage group

Denmark sets up shared pilotage group    The Danish Maritime Authority, INTERTANKO and INTERCARGO have mutually agreed to establish a joint pilotage user group to discuss and improve the piloting of vessels through narrow Baltic straits such the Great Belt and the Sound.
   'The background of this industry-government initiative relates to the concerns expressed by the Danish Maritime Authority regarding the difficulties surrounding navigation in Danish waters,' INTERTANKO said in a statement.
   Denmark has asked 'that a wide range of international shipping associations urge their members to take a pilot when they enter or leave the Baltic Sea, as recommended by resolution MSC.138(76) of the International Maritime Organization,' INTERTANKO explained.
   Because the IMO rule is only a recommendation, 'it is not possible to enforce pilotage in the area. Nevertheless, INTERTANKO and INTERCARGO have reviewed this request by the Danish Maritime Authority, and have agreed to support it,' INTERTANKO noted.