Marine Pilot, Auriga Pilots (Reef)

Watch as a pilot boat approaches and picks up the pilot after escorting the carnival dream from the harbor in Freeport Bahamas

Qualified pilots are usually employed by the local port or maritime administration, and provide their services to ships for a fee, calculated in relation to the ship’s tonnage, draught or other criteria.

Port authorities in Antwerp, Belgium, are making use of EMSA’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) to support their day-to-day monitoring of port operations and rapid response to pollution incidents in the port area. The RPAS will enable the authorities to inspect at a distance their complex port environment which extends over an area of some 120km².

An unforgettable sunrise at sea as the pilot boat Hadrian delivers a pilot to the Grampian Tweed on approach to the Port of Tyne! With the sky blazing in incredible colours, we head out at first light to meet the Grampian Tweed offshore. Watch as the Hadrian carefully manoeuvres alongside to safely transfer the pilot, all against the backdrop of a stunning North Sea sunrise. This is a true behind-the-scenes look at life on the water — ship handling, teamwork, and breathtaking views from the...

Marine pilot boarding ship A marine pilot, also called maritime pilot, harbor pilot, port pilot, ship pilot, or simply pilot, is a mariner who maneuvers ships through dangerous or congested waters, such as harbors or river mouths. They are navigational experts possessing knowledge of the particular waterway, licensed or authorised by a recognised pilotage authority. When a ship needs to enter or leave a harbor, marine pilots are sent aboard via a small pilot boat to safely navigate the...

The All India Maritime Pilots' Association has released its new journal for February

Our Pilot Boats play a crucial role in maintaining the daily flow of maritime traffic to and from Belfast Harbour. Working 24/7, 365 days a year, in all kinds of weather conditions, this dedicated team carries out the vital task of bringing the Harbour Pilots out to arriving vessels, where they guide them safely into their berths, as well as disembarking them, often in challenging sea conditions on Belfast Lough.
Kayleigh Ward, our sole female pilot boat crew member, reveals how she gave up...

If you own, operate or command a foreign-flagged ship entering an Australian port, you may be subject to a port State control inspection by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Help prepare your ship for compliance by watching the video below and visiting our website for more pre-inspection resources.

Video Showing a long bulk carrier ship Manoeuvring its way through narrow river channel.
Video Credit: Dave Avner

MAN Engines is equipping nine pilot boats from the shipyard Goodchild Marine Services Ltd. in Norfolk, Great Britain, with in-line six-cylinder engines. This is the engine manufacturer's first entry into the British pilot boat segment.