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...

Video Thomas Levillain, Marine Pilot at Pilotage de la Seine, France

published on 10 December 2021

Campagne de prévention "LA SÉCURITÉ DES MARINS, TOUS ACTEURS, TOUS GAGNANTS". Témoignage de Thomas Levillain, pilote à la station de pilotage de la Seine au Havre.

0

Article A journey back in time: films of pilotage from 1940 to 1975 (USA, UK and Germany)

by Frank Diegel - published on 18 May 2020

Let us start a journey back in time. Back to the black and white films of history. The times have changed, but it is good to know what kind of things have changed and where are the roots of pilotage.

0

Video Indian Marine Pilot | Fight against Corona

published on 30 April 2020

This vlog is all about a Marine pilot who performs his duty religiously in such pandemic outbreak.
So do watch it’s interesting.

0

Video My First Ride In My Work's Jet Pilot Boat.

published on 10 May 2020

A video of a fellow captain at my work giving me my very first ride in the companies jet pilot boat. Im impressed.

0

Video Illinois boat captain recalls treacherous winter voyage across Lake Michigan | ChicagoLIVE

published on 10 February 2026

A U.S. federal pilot shares his experience navigating icy waters on Lake Michigan.

0

Opinion Snakes or Ladders

by Ewan Rattray, UK - published on 12 March 2021

A MIXED METHODOLOGY REVIEW INTO THE BOARDING AND LANDING OF MARITIME PILOTS.

0

Article Is the 26,000 TEU container vessel coming now?

by Frank Diegel - published on 12 January 2020

The last month Jan Tiedemann from Alphaliner (BRS) in Hamburg has reported, that DNV GL has awarded Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuilding (group) Co., Ltd. an approval in principle for the design of an LNG-powered 25,000 TEU container vessel. Based upon the reported vessel dimensions, he reckons that the ship could actually have a capacity closer to 26,000 TEU.

0

Video Kaarstoe, Norway: Berthing at Jetty 2 of Gassco-Terminal

published on 14 June 2021

In this video you can see the modern port service provided by the port. They have big LNG Powered Tug, modern pilot boat, nicely laid out berth, and experienced/competent pilot.

0

Article New Study on GNSS Interference in the Baltic Sea

by GPSPATRON Sp. z o. o. - published on 12 March 2025

GNSS interference has become a growing challenge in the Baltic Sea, affecting maritime navigation, aviation, and critical infrastructure. While numerous datasets and services, such as gpsjam.org, spoofing.skai-data-services.com, and flightradar24, report high-altitude GNSS interference based on ADS-B data, there is a significant lack of studies focusing on ground-level interference.

3