Video

Marine Pilot at work in the port of Hamburg


published on 17 April 2020 312 -

How do marine pilots work?

Example: Bringing a bulkcarrier alongside to „Hansaport“ in Hamburg.
Here the tugboats „Prompt“, „Resolute“ and „Bulldog“ are involved.
The master has to rely on the pilot. One reason is, that he can‘t know how to deal with these tugs.

A maneuver like this is only safe, when the pilot has a lot of practical experience. A master who is doing a maneuver like this only about once or twice a month and each time with tugs he doesn’t know in areas he hasn’t been to often before will be happy to have a pilot to rely on.

A pilot is happy with a master having confidence in him.
Anyway the master keeps his overriding authority at any time.
Does the master have to ask every 30 seconds „What are the tugs doing“? Should he be able to see it himself? Does the pilot have to explain every 30 seconds what the tugs are going to do or what he will do next?

Well, the pilot and the master should talk about the maneuver and expected challenges before it becomes difficult. During a time of high concentration the maneuver should not be interrupted by unnecessary explanation. Anyway, when the master feels unsafe, he will raise his voice at any time he wants to.
In this case the Master and pilot felt comfortable!

In times of corona we have to keep a social distance even to the master, so he couldn't stand directly next to me.
Germany

Join the conversation...

Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Capt Girish Chandra AIMPA - All India Marine Pilots' Association, India
on 17 April 2020, 14:08 UTC

In addition to video, I really liked the article wrt expectations of Master and Pilots from each other. Very nicely described.
0

Read more...

Opinion Column: Keeping the Pilot safe (by Michael Grey)

by Baird Maritime - published on 21 January 2022

There are some problems that never seem to go away and one is the perennial difficulties in providing a safe way of getting pilots on and off a ship.

0

Opinion Beyond Experience: Building the Next Generation of Maritime Pilots

by Maritime Pilot Abolfazl Farajnezam - published on 8 May 2025

Pilot recruitment has traditionally been based on seniority, and extensive sea experience. However, a more modern approach, hiring younger, motivated candidates with structured training, offers an alternative path with compelling advantages.

1

Opinion Conversation with Brett Monthie, a Tampa Bay harbor pilot

by Tampy Bay Times - published on 13 January 2021

After spending years at sea, Brett Monthie had to chart the channels in Tampa Bay from memory in order to become a Tampa Bay harbor pilot. And then he spent 30 months in training.

1

Article Danish Butter Cookies...

by Marine Pilot Luis Vale, Portugal - published on 17 July 2019

Why “Danish Butter Cookies” are a part of the standard navigational equipment…

0

Article Maryland bans cellphone use by maritime pilots

published on 9 January 2023

The Maryland Board of Pilots has decided to enact a rule change that forbids on-duty pilots from using their phones.

0

Article World's first methanol-powered pilot boat launched

published on 14 December 2021

The Swedish Maritime Administration is launching the world's first fully methanol-powered pilot boat today, It is one of the ministry's existing pilot boats, which has now been converted to test the new propellant. The work is part of the Swedish Maritime Administration's transition to a fossil-free fleet.

0

Video Maritime Single Window 2024: New guidelines are coming!

published on 15 November 2022

Video recording of the Maritime Single Window 2024 Window of opportunities Webinar which took place on 24 October and highlighted the benefits and opportunities for maritime trade arising from the application of the maritime single window (MSW) to electronic ship clearance processes in ports.

0

Article Maritime Pilots in the New York area use Pilot-Guard

by Pilot-Guard International Network for Pilot Safety - published on 11 April 2024

Pilot-Guard is a global pilot safety network that enables the real-time exchange of safety-related information between organisations around the globe on non-compliant pilot transfer arrangements (nc-pta) of vessels.

3

Video Tug Talk with Pilot Captain Kirk Pinto

published on 30 September 2024

#tugboatwilly #tugboat #mariners #nyharbor #mariner #docklife #boatlife #ship #bigship #captain #pilot

1