Article

IMPA Investigates the Use of Remote Piloting


published on 2 September 2024 3027 -

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

Video Big Girl On The Leash

published on 21 May 2026

Tugboat Willy Coloring Book - https://a.co/d/0iFzgGWw

0

Article Marine-Pilots.com on LinkedIn & Facebook

published on 3 April 2024

The followers of our large community of Marine-Pilots.com can be found not only on LinkedIn or Twitter, but also on Facebook.

4

Article Reminder: The 134th UKMPA Conference

published on 1 September 2022

Program, Speakers & Booking here

1

Video Bulk Carrier Docking at Liverpool Docks

published on 4 August 2020

Bulk Carrier "CSSC He Mei" docking in Gladstone Lock Liverpool with the assistance of 3 Svitzer tugs

0

Video Deep draft tanker to sea

published on 1 October 2020

It does not happen very often that we have a Eurochannel bound ship to sea. In this case the MARIA P LEMOS, 333 m with a draft of 20,7 m left Rotterdam underway to the Far East .

0

Video Griffiths off Point Lonsdale, for a look over Griffiths see this video https://youtu.be/rAnG87kd9Uw

published on 26 August 2025

Just caught pilot launch Griffiths finishing a MOB drill and goes home to Queenscliff.
For a tour over Griffiths see this video https://youtu.be/rAnG87kd9Uw
Ship spotting at Point Lonsdale and other water activities by Wally on Water.

0

Article The scariest 15 minutes of my life

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 14 August 2019

An authentic report by Marine Pilot Capt. Agha Umar Habib (Port of Sohar, Oman) about a dramatic incident on July 23, 2019.

2