Article

Dispute among Italian pilots' associations continues


by ShipMag. - published on 7 July 2020 -  393 -

Vincenzo Bellomo
photos, graphics and article by ShipMag.it from 2nd July 2020
The article was automatically translated from Italian into English.


Rome - "The interview that appeared on Shipmag.it, by the new president of Fedepiloti Luigi Mennella, re-proposes the opening of the "dialogue to mend the rift that there was so many years ago". However, the tenor of the statements does not seem to be a prelude to a rediscovered unity among the trade associations". This was written in a letter addressed to Fedepiloti and to Admiral Giovanni Pettorino the president of Unione Piloti, Vincenzo Bellomo.

"To attribute to Unione Piloti - Bellomo writes - the responsibility to respond to the peacemaker messages with sudden attacks, is singular. Perhaps we have lost the memory of the numerous attempts to create a relaxing and clarifying atmosphere aimed at re-proposing the pilot service with the involvement of those who sing outside the chorus. However, the initiatives that have been put forward have seen proud opponents who have used any pretext to sow the seeds of discord".

"And yet, having been a founding member of Unione Piloti, President Mennella should know deeply the reasons for the split, which was not a rash move but the result of a pondered reflection originated by the discomfort caused by the lack of a frank confrontation. The new President's reaffirmed willingness to move in the direction of continuity does not appear to be an offer of peace. In fact, it brings to mind the statements made, the last in a very long series, by Francesco Bandiera during last year's assembly of French pilots or the communications of the Fedepiloti that bordered on the offense".

"It's true: marriages are made in two, but it's equally true that a lasting union is based on the principles of equal rights and equal dignity between the spouses, otherwise the cause that led to the divorce from Fedepiloti would be repeated. To be honest, there are no proposals for the refounding of the association, other than the one put forward by UPI on the occasion of the election of the President Flag to unify the category. Mennella should well remember that the draft agreement was rejected without any argument to prove that reunification is pursued in words by Fedepiloti while, in reality, it is nothing but the ill-concealed attempt to obtain an unconditional surrender".

"We are ready and willing to discuss the refounding of the category, the way to deal with the changes that will affect the pilotage service; the authenticity of this conviction of ours is amply testified by the facts. Our willingness, however, does not consist in the passive and uncritical approval of theses and proposals that, in the past, were precisely the cause of the split and that today are presented again. In fact, we do not share the opinions put forward in support of the study commissioned to CIELI and, of it, we agree exclusively on the validity of the tariff formula as it is noted in our paper, presented several months ago to the superior ministry".

"The concern of the Commander General of the Harbour Offices ("the strength of an organization, which expresses such an important service, cannot be expressed if there is division" and "There is no strength in asserting one's own reasons if there is no unity") can only be escaped by unequivocal reasons to be carried out for the good of the pilotage service which are the result of a frank and fruitful confrontation; certainly not by decisions taken within an oligarchy. On the contrary, the search for a fusion between the two associations is nothing more than a mirror for the larks. To Admiral Giovanni Pettorino, to whom we renew the senses of our devotion, we would like instead to suggest that Unione Piloti also be granted a greater frequentation of the General Command circles. Knowing better and directly our association, he could be surprised by people who, not being afraid to strongly support their ideas, are able to become "shadows" that cast light".
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Article Capt. Luigi Mennella is the new President of Fedepiloti

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 6 July 2020

Capt. Luigi Mennella is the new President of the Italian Federation of Ports Pilots.

0

Article Roberta Coppa (Fedepiloti): "There are still too many gender prejudices in our world".

by ShipMag.it - published on 9 March 2021

Roberta Cotta and Teresa Matarese are the only two women in the Italian Federation of Harbour Pilots (Fedepiloti) team of 212 professionals.

0

Video Official video: 74a Assemblea nazionale Fedepiloti, Italy

published on 27 April 2021

Great image video of the Italian pilots (Federazione Italiana Piloti dei Porti).

0

Article The new Pilot Vessel 'New York'

published on 14 April 2022

When it came time to replace their 50-year-old station vessel New York, the Sandy Hook Pilots Association thought long and hard, weighing their options to determine the best possible solution.

1

Video "Out of control"container ship prompts temporary closure of Ravenel Bridge; remains anchored outside

published on 10 June 2024

"Out of control" container ship prompts temporary closure of Ravenel Bridge; remains anchored outside Charleston Harbor

0

Video S-102 Bathymetric Surface Product for a Safe Passage

published on 13 July 2020

Specialized training for maritime pilots
Quebec City, Quebec, Canada – June 23, 2020 – The Maritime Simulation and Resource Centre (MSRC), a world-class pilot simulation training and port feasibility studies facility, is pleased to announce the release of an informational video on the new S-102 standards on surface bathymetry products.
In the video, Captain Pascal Rhéaume, pilot and member of the technical committee for the Corporation of Lower St-Lawrence Pilots, an active stakeholder...

0

Article Harwich Haven Authority applies for extension of pilotage area

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 17 September 2020

Following a review Harwich Haven Authority (the Authority), in its role as a Competent Harbour Authority (CHA), has applied to the Department for Transport (the Department) to extend its existing area of voluntary pilotage to include the western most areas of Hamford Water and Oakley Creek in the area known as the Walton Backwaters.

0

Video The complex and dangerous Centre Lead Forward Tug Manoeuvre, Port Kembla, Australia

published on 4 July 2019

(Please note: Anthony F Hoy has CASA Operational Certification for UAV Aerial Photography & Aerial Survey).
The Svitzer Marloo, a Z-Tech 2800 ASD Tug, is one of the few vessels in the world to regularly use the complex and potentially dangerous Centre Lead Forward manoeuvre to assist inbound and outbound bulk carriers in the execution of a 110 degree turn on entering and leaving Port Kembla. Tug Master Phil Jones explains how a dangerous maritime exercise, if properly executed, can deliver...

0

Video My First MEGA SHIP Voyage - Didn't See This Coming!

published on 19 August 2025

It’s my first voyage taking over solo watch as a navigating officer – from bridge commands to monitoring traffic and weather, every second counts. Once we arrive in Ningbo, it’s straight into cargo operations, intense mooring work, and pilotage.

0

Article Skipper and pilot died in pilot boat collision, Kobe

published on 27 September 2022

Pilot boat with 5 people on board collided with breakwater at Kobe Port, Japan, at around 0300 Tokyo time Sep 4. 52-year old skipper of the boat, and 71-year old pilot, died in the collision, 3 crew were seriously injured.

1