Harbour Master

Other countries, other morals. What do you think about the work of the ship's crew? Do they work carefully in accordance with the regulations?

Darwin Port has achieved its International Standard for Maritime Pilot Organisations (ISPO) certification for its commitment to safety and quality management systems. ISPO is a standard of best practice for pilots and pilot organisations, which focuses on improving safety and quality.

Follow the pilots as they go through a normal working day.

Live AIS video stream of the salvage

Pilot recruitment has traditionally been based on seniority, and extensive sea experience. However, a more modern approach, hiring younger, motivated candidates with structured training, offers an alternative path with compelling advantages.

It’s an ancient profession that’s vital to Australia’s economic survival. Marine pilots are responsible for the safe movement of cargo and cruise ships in and out of the country’s harbours. Rachel Hayter took to the seas to learn more. (April 2018)

When publishing articles or pictures about pilots and their pilot ladders, very often we see the use of backpacks. The use of backpacks is controversial, since its weight, or buoyancy, can influence the functioning of the lifejacket used.

harbor pilots disembarking in Hong Kong
container ships - IKARIA and YM Excellence

This video is filmed in 2015, edited 2021.
A maritime pilot, marine pilot, harbor pilot, port pilot, ship pilot, or simply pilot, is a mariner who maneuvers ships through dangerous or congested waters, such as harbors or river mouths. They are navigational experts possessing knowledge of the particular waterway such as its depth, currents, and hazards, as well as being experts in handling ships of all types and size. A Maritime pilot is an expert ship handler who is licensed or authorised...