The Gironde Maritime Pilots guide vessels during the crossing of the Gironde Estuary, from the open sea to Arcins Island (Bordeaux-Bègles) and Libourne. They can also provide their local expertise regarding the Bègles–Langon river route, which, however, lies outside the maritime pilotage zone.
Navigation on the Gironde Estuary, as well as on the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, remains challenging due to sandbars, currents, shoals, fog…
In most cases, the pilot transfer takes place between Buoy BXA (landing buoy) and Buoy 1*. However, in winds of less than 27 knots and with good visibility, vessels less than 200 meters in length that are not carrying dangerous goods may receive radar assistance from a pilot downstream of Buoy 13 A.
Navigation on the Gironde Estuary, as well as on the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, remains challenging due to sandbars, currents, shoals, fog…
In most cases, the pilot transfer takes place between Buoy BXA (landing buoy) and Buoy 1*. However, in winds of less than 27 knots and with good visibility, vessels less than 200 meters in length that are not carrying dangerous goods may receive radar assistance from a pilot downstream of Buoy 13 A.
*: The landing buoy traditionally indicates the approach to the coast and the vessel’s position relative to land. Buoy BXA is located off the mouth of the Gironde Estuary, while Buoy 1 is at the entrance to the marked channel.
Breamar - Departure from Bordeaux
