The Bulgarian pilotage service is provided by self-employed pilots organized in two pilot stations in Varna and Bourgas pilotage districts. The service is legitimate according to the commercial law and is regulated by the Merchant Shipping Code ( as amended in 2002 ) and by a Pilotage Act ( 2001 ). According to the Pilotage Act every three years the Bulgarian Maritime Administration Executive Agency organizes a competition among the pilot’s partnerships for organizing and caring out the pilot services in the both districts. All pilots are members of the Bulgarian Maritime Pilot’s Association.

59 district pilots.

All pilots are to posses Master Certificate and to pass 6 months training in the district followed by exams held before the Bulgarian Maritime Administration Executive Agency.

Maximum age to retire is 65 years depends on health condition.

Tariffs are based on a ship’s gross tonnage. Pilots’ income depends on the ship’s traffic, i.e. there is no guaranteed income for pilots.

24 hours on duty / 72 hours off duty – system. Annual leave = 30 days.

The pilot stations are owned by the Bulgarian Maritime Administration Executive Agency. The management and the maintenance are in the hands of the pilots, and on their account.

Pilotage is compulsory for vessels exceeding 100 GT, for Bulgarian vessels up to 300 GT when engaged in domestic trade can go without pilots.
There are no PEC’s granted in Bulgaria, but Bulgarian military vessels, bunker vessels, and floating cranes are allowed to go without pilot.

There are prescribed annual examinations for pilots (ophthalmic test, hearing test, neurological test, orthopedic examination, cardiological test, and therapeutical examination).