Trainee Marine Pilot

Maritime pilots trace the roots of their profession back to the ancient Greeks and Romans when incoming ship captains employed experienced local fisherman to guide their merchant vessels safely into port. It’s a legacy of skill, strength, and sharp wits, and our Houston Pilots (“Pilots”) have been meeting vessels at Galveston’s bar to carry on these proud traditions for just shy of 100 years.

Compulsory pilotage will now be required for dry cargo and passenger vessels over 3,000 gross tonnes and tankers of 1,000 gross tonnes transiting eastern Hong Kong waters to and from the area of Yantian Container Terminals and Dapeng LNG Terminals, according to a Hong Kong Government Ordinance.

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.

Marine Pilot's Documentary showing the role of a pilot as they guide all types of ships to and from Harbor.
We produced this video in 2004.

Have you ever wanted to watch a marine pilot in action? Last night, TasPorts was delighted to offer up for auction a pilot boat experience to support Cancer Council Tasmania's 25th Anniversary Gala in Launceston. A second experience will be offered at the Cancer Council Tasmania Gala in Hobart next month. Both events raise funds to support Tasmanians dealing with cancer through advocacy, prevention, support and research. This video was filmed in 2018 (pre-COVID), was broadcast at last...

The latest issue of "The Pilot" by UKMPA published. This edition is all about the incredible "Value of Maritime Pilots."

November 9, 2020
Pilot boat approaching a barge on the Columbia River in Astoria, Oregon.

Electronic warfare in the Baltic Sea is escalating rapidly, with GPS and AIS disruptions posing growing risks to maritime navigation. Russia’s hybrid strategy is targeting both safety and stability in one of Europe’s most critical shipping regions. Pilots and crews now face a new reality: navigating under threat.