Pilot service of the port of Arkhangelsk, the first sea port of Russia, was founded in 1613. Presently 30 pilots, performing pilotage of vessels throughout the water area of the harbour , starting from the Pilot buoy up to the cargo handling terminal of Economiya, around the clock and all-the-year-round, are busy working in the Governmental Pilot Service of the Marine Administration of the port. Pilotage of vessels is compulsory in the port. The pilot service is due to effect pilotage of vessels with the navigational draught of 9,2 m on high water.