Godwin v. Jenkins (The Ignition) Q.B.D. (Div.Ct.) (Ackner L.J., Sheen and Webster JJ.) - 12 November 1982

No offence by master navigating vessel in compulsory pilotage district without licensed pilot

Mr. Godwin was the master of the vessel Ignition . He wished to navigate the vessel from Fosdyke along the River Welland to the sea. The river was in a compulsory pilotage area, and before taking his vessel to sea Mr. Godwin requested the attendance of a licensed pilot. A licensed pilot duly boarded the vessel shortly after 15 40 on 11 November 1981. He advised Mr. Godwin that it was unsafe to proceed on that tide being 20 minutes before sunset, and that he would return to the vessel at 06 45 next morning to pilot it on the morning tide. However, Mr. Godwin navigated Ignition out to sea on the evening tide of 11 November 1981 without the pilot and without mishap. The vessel was equipped with radar.