Article

Five questions for John Redman, Co President at Jacksonville Docking Pilots


published on 26 February 2021 454 -

In our new section “Five questions for ..." Marine-Pilots.com introduces pilots and other market players to our readers in short interviews.

Today we have talked to John Redman, Co President at Jacksonville Docking Pilots.

How long have you been working as a pilot and why did you choose this special job?

I have 20 years of service as a Docking Pilot in the Port of Jacksonville Florida USA.  My father was Docking Pilot.  When I was 5 years old he asked me if I wanted to go to work with him in the Port of New York. To this day I remember everything about that trip.  We rode Mc Allister Tugs from Job to Job. I sat in the tug’s wheel house and listened to my dad’s voice over the radio as we pushed ships to the dock.  Later I went onto the ship with him.  That is when I was hooked and knew this is what I wanted to do. 

 

What is the best thing about your job and why?

I am fortunate to do what I love which is being on the water.  This makes the job more like a hobby. I also enjoy that the work is close to home.

 

What do you take with you onboard for each pilotage? 

Two vhf hand held radios, PPU, IPad, Cell Phone, ID, Mask, 2 Pair Reading Glasses, Safety Shoes, Gloves, Floatation, Knife, Flash Light, Docking Receipts and a positive attitude.

A 1972 Matchbox Toy Motor Cycle and a hand painted wooden Cross.  My youngest child gave them to me and said “take these for good luck.”  I have been carrying them for most of my career.    

 

Do you have wishes for future improvements for pilots, especially in safety?

I would like to see these ULCC stop growing in size.  Navigation concerns are obvious but the congestion on the piers during cargo operations is a potential problem.  Simply walking on the pier can be hazardous.

 

What makes your pilotage area special? Which special skills are required from pilots?   

The River currents can be challenging.  Our Port does a great job keeping up with the siltation.  It is important to keep a working knowledge of the water areas.  This area requires tight quarters for turning of large vessels.  When it gets busy, a primary concern is to keep vessels moving efficiently.  This becomes challenging when there are tide windows for deeper vessels.

Pilots need to be able to work odd hours.  A healthy strict life style is paramount for a long successful career.   

 

One more question - what is your opinion about Marine-Pilots.com?

This web site is an amazing success story.  It has created an open forum for Pilots from all over the world to share ideas and information.  The rapid growth of this site is testimony to its success. 

American Harbor & Docking Pilots: HarborPilots.org

Join the conversation...

Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
MQ
Muhammad Qadah Saudi Aramco - Ports and Terminals, Saudi Arabia
on 26 February 2021, 11:37 UTC

the real harbour pilots all over the world they hold same thought and the capability to hold such great responsibility that why you find them with a unique personality
2

Read more...

Opinion Five questions for Ahmed Sati / Marine Pilot at P&O Maritime

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 18 November 2020

In our new new section “Five questions for ..." Marine-Pilots.com introduces pilots and other market players to our readers in short interviews.

Today we are happy to start with Capt. Ahmed Sati, Marine Pilot at P&O Maritime.

5

Opinion Five questions for Porthos Lima, Rio de Janeiro Pilots Operations Director

published on 25 November 2020

In our new new section “Five questions for ..." Marine-Pilots.com introduces pilots and other market players to our readers in short interviews.

Today we have talked to Porthos Lima, Rio de Janeiro Pilots Operations Director.

1

Opinion Five questions for Olli Taipale, Chief Pilot at Finnpilot

published on 2 December 2020

In our new new section “Five questions for ..." Marine-Pilots.com introduces pilots and other market players to our readers in short interviews.

Today we have talked to Olli Taipale, Chief Pilot at Finnpilot.

4

Video Pilot Talks Episode 3 - Special Guest. Capt. Henk Hensen

published on 24 August 2021

Welcome to our next episode of:- Pilot Talks... Pilot ki Baat..! Hosted by Capt. Vijay Sharma, Master Mariner @capt.vijay along with Co-Host Capt.Gajanan Karanjikar, President of AIMPA, India @captgajanan We have the honor to invite our Special Guest. Capt. Henk Hensen. Capt Henk makes the point that it is often not known WHY effects and accidents happen. When piloting board ships and in simulators, the big WHY was not often visible but manned-models show everything clearly as I found...

0

Video NOK-Kanalsteurer Dieter Morhardt über seinen Beruf

published on 28 July 2021

Dieter Morhardt ist Kanalsteurer auf dem Nord-Ostsee-Kanal. Was den Beruf ausmacht erzählt er im Video.
Eine umfangreiche Reportage zu den Kanalsteurern gibt es hier:
https://www.shz.de/regionales/kiel/kanalsteurer-auf-dem-nord-ostsee-kanal-ein-in-deutschland-einmaliger-beruf-id19542646.html

0

Video Ensuring Safety for Maritime Pilots: Addressing the Real Risks | SEA VIEWS - PODCAST

published on 1 July 2025

In this eye-opening episode of Sea Views, host Julia Gosling speaks with Captain Andrew Moll (Chief Inspector, UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch), Ari Palmers (Senior Maritime Pilot, Netherlands), and Adam Parnell (Director, CHIRP Maritime) to confront the serious dangers faced by maritime pilots — especially during pilot transfers, where fatality rates remain alarmingly high.

0

Video Interview with Pilot Patrick Wilson (Mobile Bar Pilots, Alabama)

published on 22 August 2025

This is an interview with Patrick Wilson, a bar pilot who is a part of the Mobile Bar Pilots in Mobile, Alabama. Chapters/Questions 0:00 - Introduction to Patrick Wilson 0:15 - What does a bar pilot do? 0:57 - What is the career path to becoming a bar pilot? What education and experience did you need? 2:13 - What's the most challenging situation you've handled while guiding a ship? 3:48 - How has new technology like GPS or advanced radar changed your job, and how much do you still rely on...

0

Video CMA CGM MISSOURI 300m Container Ship grounded in Suez Canal

published on 14 October 2020

Container ship CMA CGM MISSOURI ran aground in Suez Canal while transiting in southern direction, at around 0930 UTC Oct 14. As of 1745 UTC, probably refloated or moved, several Suez Canal tugs attending. Traffic probably suspended, but it’s not confirmed. No information on what caused grounding.
Container ship CMA CGM MISSOURI, IMO 9679919, dwt 115600, capacity 9448 TEU, built 2016, flag Liberia.

0