Article

IMPA Investigates the Use of Remote Piloting


published on 2 September 2024 2706 -

The International Maritime Pilots Association (IMPA) is conducting a study to gain significant insights into the current and potential use of "remote piloting" on conventional ships as well as those that may be remotely operated or navigated by autonomous software in the future.

Representing over 50 member countries, IMPA is collaborating with the Canadian National Centre of Expertise on Maritime Pilotage (NCEMP) and the Canadian Coast Guard. The goal is to thoroughly assess the feasibility, readiness, and impact of remote piloting on safe navigation practices and systems.

This study aims to provide crucial insights into the current and potential implementation of remote pilot operations on traditional vessels and future ships that could be remotely controlled or managed by autonomous systems.
Simon Pelletier, President IMPA - (c) IMPA
Simon Pelletier, President IMPA - (c) IMPA
Simon Pelletier, President IMPA - (c) IMPA
Simon Pelletier, President IMPA - (c) IMPA
Given the role of maritime pilotage, IMPA considers it critically important that any concept that could impact compulsory pilotage practices and systems, including remote pilotage, be carefully examined and assessed. Captain Simon Pelletier, President of IMPA says, “The number and variety of people talking about remote navigation and pilotage makes it necessary for IMPA to conduct a rigorous, objective analysis to help pilots’ organisations, competent authorities, and industry make informed decisions. Providing authoritative, evidence-based guidance to support objective decision-making in maritime pilotage is key to ensuring the continued safety of marine navigation. It is part of the reason IMPA exists.”
"We are working closely with IMPA and NCEMP to understand the future role of new technologies in remote navigation and autonomy, and how coast guards worldwide must adapt to meet the evolving needs of mariners," said Mario Pelletier, Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard.

Captain Alain Arseneault, Executive Director of NCEMP, noted that remote navigation trials have varied motivations, reflect different realities, and utilize various operational solutions. "There is a lot of discussion around remote piloting, but it is in everyone's best interest that safety is never compromised by ambition or technological advances. We need clear, evidence-based, and enforceable guidelines, not just in Canada but globally," he stated.
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Video The Port Authority of Jamaica | Critical Services - Pilotage

published on 15 April 2021

Pilotage is compulsory in all Jamaican ports and is a necessity for the safe passage and docking of ships entering and leaving the harbours. No ship or vessel can enter our Ports without the #PortAuthorityJa’s pilotage services. #MarinePilots, being the experts in local conditions, are required to assist in the navigation and manoeuvring of vessels in our channels and port areas and are dispatched to all ports in Jamaica on a 24 hour basis. Our #PilotBoatCrew ensures that Marine Pilots are...

2

Video Transit of the Panama Canal with an XDF LNG Carrier on the Newly expanded locks under pilotage

published on 19 December 2020

Join me as we transit through the Panama Canal from the North-East side to the South-West. An interesting vlog on how an XDF LNG carrier transits through the newly expanded Panama Canal.Find out its history and which vessel and Captain transited the Canal on its opening day on the 15th of August 1914.The interaction with the Pilot Captain Arnulfo Cepetno who assist me on transit the Cocoli locks.

2

Article The challenges of remote pilotage simulated in Rauma

published on 7 October 2021

As a part of the ISTLAB project the impact of external factors on pilots’ activities in a remote pilotage situation has been examined in Rauma.

1

Article Best Medium Pilot Boat "Spirit" by Hart Marine

by Baird Maritime - published on 23 April 2025

Australia’s high-tech FRP specialist boat builder Hart Marine has been building pilot, patrol and rescue boats for a couple of decades. That experience tells as the boats continually improve from an already high base.

0

Video Saab’s Port Management app streamlines Pilot operations at Flinders Ports, Australia

published on 17 August 2021

Have a look inside Flinders Ports, the gateway of trade to South Australia. Pilotage operations have become much more complex, with more and larger ships coming in. With Pilot Control Flinders Ports streamline their pilotage operations – saving them time, raising operating efficiency and ensuring safety as changes can be managed at their fingertips. Visit our homepage: https://goo.gl/bWJr3i Follow Saab on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saabtechnologies/ Follow Saab on Twitter: https://...

0

Article Port of Grays Harbor takes delivery on new pilot boat, Vega

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

After years of looking, the Port of Grays Harbor has its new pilot boat, the Vega, to replace the 60-year-old Chehalis.

0

Opinion Arie Palmers: "A case with a non compliant pilot transfer arrangement"

by Arie Palmers - published on 26 August 2024

Despite clear regulations and regular maintenance requirements, safety often falls by the wayside, as the current example of a bulk carrier vividly demonstrates.

3

Article The magnetic north pole migration - What a Pilot should know

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 22 February 2019

The Arctic magnetic pole does not move anymore. It runs, faster and faster. In recent years, even faster than expected. Therefore, geo-researchers have now had an unscheduled change to their world model and adjust their calculations, so that navigation with compass and other navigation aids such as a Pilot Plug, used by pilots around the world, continue to work.

0

Video Pemanduan, Kapal RORO Fajar Bahari VI, Stasiun Pandu Muara Jungkat, Tongkang bermuatan curah. (3)

published on 30 October 2020

Inbound Vessel Passing Jungkat Pilot Station. 

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