The Pilot Boat monitors VHF Channels 16 and 10 up to one hour prior to vessel’s arrival.  If the pilot boat or pilot station cannot be reached, please call the Port of Port Lavaca / Point Comfort - Control Tower on Channel 16 or 7A.

 

NOTE: The Pilot Station IS NOT continuously manned.

 

The Pilot Boat “Matajet” is 43 feet long, has a red hull, black floatation collar and a white superstructure. The word "PILOT" is printed in large red letters on the side of the superstructure.  The Matajet is equipped with AIS.

 

The Pilot Boat “MATA-PILOT” is 26 feet long, with an orange float collar and white superstructure.  The word “PILOT” is printed in large orange letters on each side of the superstructure.

 

Vessels are requested to contact the pilot boat one hour before arrival on Channel 10 for pilot ladder instructions.

 

The pilot ladder should be rigged 2 meters (6.5 feet) or 1 meter (3.2 feet) above the waterline, depending on which boat will be utilized. If the vessels freeboard is more than 7 meters (23 feet), a combination ladder is required.

 

When boarding, the pilot ladder shall be located at amidships. NO man ropes and NO boat ropes shall be utilized.

 

Boarding speed will be 8 knots.

Boarding Arrangements

The Pilot boarding station is located two nautical miles southeast of the "MB" buoy.

 

Note to Masters:

Please maintain a distance of 2 miles southeast of the “MB” Buoy until otherwise advised by the pilot.  Strong cross currents, a narrow entrance and shallow water will place your vessel in danger!