Line boats are small, powerful vessels controlled by one person. They are used to pull heavy mooring lines fastened to the line boat, from a ship to the wharf. Port Services personnel then secure the lines on bollards. The Harbour Launch Company operates line boats in Fremantle's Inner Harbour.

Pilot Boats and Pilots

Each year Fremantle Ports' pilot boats provide almost 4,000 pilot transfer services in all weather conditions.

Fremantle Ports' Small Craft crews and the pilotage contractor, Fremantle Pilots, work together to ensure the effective and safe transfer of pilots to and from ships in Gage Roads.

The nature of pilot transfers, and the environmental factors, in the water off Fremantle are challenging. However, the experience of the skippers, crews and pilots, and the quality of the vessels ensure that the transfers are performed efficiently and safely.

During a pilot transfer, the skipper of the pilot boat must match the speed of the vessel being boarded.

The pilot boat comes alongside at about eight knots and must continue at that speed, while the pilot climbs a ladder on to or off the ship.

The primary reason for compulsory pilotage of ships is safety. Until 1903 pilotage services at Fremantle were based at Rottnest Island, which was closer to the pilot boarding ground in Gage Roads.

With the arrival of the pilot launch, Lady Forrest, pilots could be quickly and efficiently transferred from Fremantle.

Pilots at Fremantle are all qualified sea captains, expert in ship handling, with many years' experience in manoeuvring both large and small vessels in the channels off Fremantle in all weather conditions.

Local knowledge enables pilots to anticipate the effects of currents, wind and tides on the ships and work together with the ship's master and crew.

Pilots also understand local shipping and boating traffic and have expertise in navigation management close to land, and in narrow channels with restricted depth of water.

After boarding the ship and reaching the bridge the pilot exchanges information and shows the ship's master the Passage Plan he intends to follow. The pilot then guides the ship through Port waters to the berth, by giving steering and engine commands, directing tugs, line boats and mooring line handling until the vessel is safely secured at the wharf.

Pilot Vessels

Fremantle Ports has three pilot vessels. 

Our newest pilot boat, Parmelia, is an all weather, fibre-glass vessel. It is fitted with modern safety and navigation equipment and plays an important role in the port's effective and safe operation.

Parmelia is fitted with electronic satellite navigation aids and communications which help the vessels crew to navigate the waters off Fremantle in all conditions and communicate with shipping, especially during pilot transfers.

 As a multi-purpose vessel, Parmelia is also designed for emergency response.  A specially designed man-overboard rescue device is fitted at the rear of the vessel.  This equipment, matched with manoeuvring controls mounted at the rear of the vessel, provides excellent rescue capabilities.

Emergency Response Vessel

The FP Response, which has been in service since 4 March 1994, is a key part of Fremantle Ports' emergency response capability.

It is designed and equipped to respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies in Fremantle Ports waters, and is used also for other purposes such as hydrographic surveying, agitation dredging and maintenance of beacons and buoys.

The vessel is 25 metres long, with a top speed of around 15 knots, giving a fast response time to any emergency situation which may arise in the Port. It is a designated respondent to the Ferry Disaster Plan, which is co-ordinated by the WA Police Service.

FP Response is fitted with various marine and shore-based radios, which link it to the State Emergency Services and the Kwinana Integrated Emergency Plan.

The vessel has fire fighting and pollution control equipment, as well as a self-protection system for crews.

There is a hydraulic crane on the vessel so that other emergency equipment maintained on land can be placed on board in response to an emergency situation.

Other Roles for Response