Article

IMPA Investigates the Use of Remote Piloting

published on 2 September 2024 - 2460 -

Show comment section |

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

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.

IMPA - International Maritime Pilots’ Association

What's your opinion on this?

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...

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.

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.

Article Hong Kong pilotage dues set to rise for the first time since 2016

published on 20 October 2022

The Hong Kong Pilotage (Amendment) Bill 2022, which was gazetted on 14 October, provides for an adjustment to pilotage fees and clarification of the regulations governing pilot medical examinations.

Video Video Interview with Capt Karanjikar, Founder President AIMPA

published on 13 July 2020

All India Marine Pilot Association has been formed by a Group of Mariners who care for "safety and security" of the Marine Pilots. Although a lot of our Indian seafarers felt the dire need of such a body, it was only after the unfortunate and untimely demise of Capt V P Gupta following his fall from the ladder on 8th August 2019, that pilots and like-minded individuals started expressing their displeasure about the 'Eco-system'. Capt. Virendra Mishra, C.E.O., The Shipping Tribune, had the...

Article The difficulty of finding marine pilot-specific information on the Internet

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 4 November 2019

Who is a pilot and how do I find information about this great job on the Internet?

Video 18 meter pilot boat built by Hart Marine, with ZF Marine Transmission

published on 28 February 2020

Exclusive Review in Port Phillip, Australia, of 18 meter pilot boat built by Hart Marine, with ZF Marine Transmission.

Article British Ports Association Eyeing up Autonomous shipping possibilities

published on 26 August 2020

The British Ports Association has launched a new initiative looking at the implications of autonomous shipping for UK ports, including a call for evidence from interested parties. Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) involves the automation of vessel and onboard processes which could alter how ports and ships interface with each other. The BPA which represents the majority of UK port activity including 85% of the shipping movements in and out of the country, is keen to explore what the future developments of shipping will mean for the sector.