Article

Pilot on the bridge


by Gard AS - published on 14 October 2021 133 -

Symbol picture by www.unsplash.com

A good working relationship with the pilot, effective Master Pilot Information Exchange at the start of the pilotage followed by well performing Bridge Resource Management during the pilotage passage, are important factors in a successful pilotage
In December 2020 the International Group of P&I Clubs (IG) issued its report on P&I claims involving vessels under pilotage covering the 20 years from 1999 to 2019. During this period there were some 1,046 incidents where pilot error contributed to or caused an incident. Total cost of these incidents was over USD 1.8 billion. Whilst there is volatility both in number and severity of the incidents in each year, the annual average of 52 incidents equates to one incident per week, and the average value per incident is approximately USD 1.7 million.
The report considers incidents in four categories. As can be seen from the table above, incidents in the Allision/FFO category represent the majority, constituting approximately 60% in terms of both number and value. This is to be expected since pilots are most frequently onboard to assist a vessel with its arrival at or departure from a berth. Collision incidents, those incidents which involve contact with another vessel, is the second largest category, representing approximately 30% in terms of both number and value. Given the circumstances required for a grounding to occur, the frequency of these incidents at about four per year is, as expected, much lower than that for incidents in the Allision/FFO and Collision categories. However, the average value of grounding incidents – USD 2.35 million – is the highest of all the four categories. It is also worth noting that 25% of all grounding incidents occurred in the Suez Canal. As for claims in the Navigation category, these are claims arising from the wash of the vessel under pilotage, and the number of incidents and their overall cost is relatively small.

What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Video Kittiwake Mersey Pilot

published on 22 December 2021

KITTIWAKE ( MMSI 232008570) is a Pilot and currently sailing under the flag of United Kingdom (UK) Here she is speeding down the River this morning.

0

Video Pilot Leaving Ship Vigo

published on 31 March 2023

0

Video Pilot Transfer - New Zealand (Auckland) & Australia (Melbourne/Fremantle)

published on 21 October 2021

Spotted some Pilot Boats in the Port of Auckland, New Zealand and Melbourne & Fremantle Australia (Port codes: Auckland:NZ AKL ; Melbourne:AU MEL ; Fremantle:AU FRE).

0

Article UKHO signs MoUs with Port of London Authority and Peel Ports Group

published on 19 June 2023

The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) signs MoUs with Port of London Authority and Peel Ports Group, strengthening collaboration in port sector.

0

Video Maritime Voices: Clint Winegar, Presiding Officer, Houston Pilots

published on 10 October 2025

Clint Winegar, Presiding Officer, Houston Pilots, discusses the organization in the round, explaining how the Houston operation remains one of three in the country that still utilizes station boat.

0

Article Pilots: deaths from unsafe pilot ladders and incompetent crew

published on 22 December 2021

The international pilots association Impa is sounding the alarm about unsafe pilot ladders. According to the pilots, a worldwide survey has shown that access to the ship via the pilot's ladder often does not comply with the regulations.

0

Article IMPA Safety Campaign 2021

published on 9 September 2021

The IMPA safety campaign will be running from 1st to 15th October 2021.

1

Video Associated Branch Pilots

published on 17 December 2020

For nearly 150 years, the Bar Pilots have protected our environment by safely guiding ocean-going vessels through our waterways.

0

Video Interceptor 60 Pilot alongside ship handling sea trials

published on 26 August 2025

Here’s a cool little video of the 2nd Interceptor 60 ‘Rubban’ built for DP World undergoing alongside ship handling sea trials, with some lovely drone footage of the container ship ‘BG Ireland’ as well.

0

Video Unayzah Express 2021 (Preparing Gangway) Container vessel

published on 19 August 2025

Let's change our perspective and see how the team sets up an accommodation ladder.

0