The Pascagoula Bar Pilots' Association

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Navigation Guidelines

In the interest of safety, hoping to protect the citizens and environment of the Mississippi Barrier Islands, Sound and Mainland, we, the Pascagoula Bar Pilots Association, recommend the following guidelines for vessels arriving at the private and public docks in Jackson County.

As weather permits, drill rigs and other non-descript vessels will be required a minimum of two pilots for any movement and will be restricted to daylight hours only. Vessels of this type will be required to sign a Hold Harmless Agreement for all movements. Those drill rigs docking and undocking in congested areas may require two pilots on the rig in addition to one pilot on the lead tug.
Vessels capable of loading and discharging rigs and barges will be restricted to daylight movements only and when loading or discharging rigs will require two pilots for channel and harbor movements.
Vessels 700 feet or greater in length will turn in the Pascagoula River and Bayou Casotte turning basins during daylight hours only. Vessels in excess of 700 feet in length or with a beam greater than 125 feet will cross the bar during daylight hours only.
Those vessels less than 700 feet in length or less than 125 feet in beam will be limited to daylight movement when the draft exceeds 36 feet.
Those vessels docked head-out that exceed 700 feet in length or exceed 125 feet in beam may sail at night at a 27 foot draft or less after being considered on a case by case basis. Extra tugs may be required.
These requirements are established as guidelines only with each ship being considered on a case by case basis, as to its characateristics and maneuvering capabilities. As weather, also plays a great part in the maneuvering of vessels, consideration will be given to high winds, high river current, reduced visibility or a large range in tide.
The number of tugs used will be decided by each individual pilot with all factors taken into account.

**Disclaimer -- Nothing in these schedules shall be construed to limit in any way the discretion of the individual Pilot assigned to a vessel. Ships and the water they ply represent an ever-changing environment. One cannot set forth hard and fast rules to address every possible situation that may be encountered, nor is it safe to do so. The individual Pilot conning a vessel is in the best position to evaluate specific circumstances and determine what actions should or should not be taken at any given moment. These recommendations are made in the interest of safety and to allow vessel operators to anticipate and plan their vessel's schedules with greater accuracy. They are in no way intended to limit, hinder, or override the on-scene discretion of individual Pilots as they navigate vessels on the Horn Island Pass Channel and Bayou Casotte Channel. There may be situations in which actions that depart from or conflict with these guidelines may be necessary to address special circumstances that arise.