What Is a Picket Boat?

A picket boat is a dedicated 24-hour patrol and support boat assigned to a vessel during its port stay or anchorage operations.

At EFR, picket boat service goes beyond continuous patrol. As part of our standard operational support, the assigned boat assists with vessel arrival, line and mooring handling, 24-hour patrol, and continuous monitoring of the surrounding waters for approaching craft, unauthorized vessels, floating objects, and other situations requiring attention. These are treated as part of the picket boat operation, not as separate movements each time assistance is required.

The picket boat may also assist with the installation and removal of spill containment booms and other waterside requirements connected with the vessel’s operation.

Experience Supporting Naval Ship Calls

EFR has supported several naval ship calls in Subic and Manila. Through these actual operations, we have gained the practical knowledge and experience necessary to continuously improve the way we provide picket boat support.

Our goal is to make the operation easier for the appointed ship agent by providing dependable boat and crew support throughout the assignment and properly attending to the vessel’s operational requirements.

Our team has developed experience in 24-hour patrol operations, mooring and line assistance, spill boom handling, crew rotation, refueling procedures, emergency response, operational coordination, permit requirements, and SBMA-related administrative requirements.

Matching the Right Boat and Crew to the Job

Not every boat or crew is suitable for every assignment.

EFR works with different boat owners and operators, giving us access to different types of boats and crews. This allows us to review the requirements of each job order and select the appropriate boat and crew based on the nature of the operation, location, duration, and other operational requirements.

This also allows the ship agent to work with one coordinating provider rather than having to source and manage several boat suppliers separately.

We Work Through the Appointed Ship Agent

EFR provides picket boat services through the vessel’s appointed ship agent. We do not contract directly with the vessel.

The appointed ship agent remains our primary point of coordination for the job order, vessel schedule, operational instructions, and other requirements related to the ship call.

With around four years of practical experience in picket boat operations, EFR continues to learn from every assignment and improve its procedures, coordination, and operational support.

For us, reliable picket boat service is not simply about putting a boat beside a vessel for 24 hours. It is about providing consistent support throughout the operation and helping the ship agent manage the vessel call.