Video

Marine Pilot at work in the port of Hamburg


published on 17 April 2020 312 -

How do marine pilots work?

Example: Bringing a bulkcarrier alongside to „Hansaport“ in Hamburg.
Here the tugboats „Prompt“, „Resolute“ and „Bulldog“ are involved.
The master has to rely on the pilot. One reason is, that he can‘t know how to deal with these tugs.

A maneuver like this is only safe, when the pilot has a lot of practical experience. A master who is doing a maneuver like this only about once or twice a month and each time with tugs he doesn’t know in areas he hasn’t been to often before will be happy to have a pilot to rely on.

A pilot is happy with a master having confidence in him.
Anyway the master keeps his overriding authority at any time.
Does the master have to ask every 30 seconds „What are the tugs doing“? Should he be able to see it himself? Does the pilot have to explain every 30 seconds what the tugs are going to do or what he will do next?

Well, the pilot and the master should talk about the maneuver and expected challenges before it becomes difficult. During a time of high concentration the maneuver should not be interrupted by unnecessary explanation. Anyway, when the master feels unsafe, he will raise his voice at any time he wants to.
In this case the Master and pilot felt comfortable!

In times of corona we have to keep a social distance even to the master, so he couldn't stand directly next to me.
Germany

Join the conversation...

Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Capt Girish Chandra AIMPA - All India Marine Pilots' Association, India
on 17 April 2020, 14:08 UTC

In addition to video, I really liked the article wrt expectations of Master and Pilots from each other. Very nicely described.
0

Read more...

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

Video History: Helicopter Transport Elbe River-Pilot (1961)

published on 18 May 2020

Unissued / Unused material - Hamburg, West Germany (FDR - Federal Republic of Germany). German helicopters are used to carry river boat pilots to where they are needed. Big CU Helicopter pilot talking into mouthpiece. Aerial view from helicopter of boat below. MS as the helicopter comes in and lands on deck of the ship. Various shots as pilot is picked up from lightship and flown off in helicopter. LS From bridge of ship as helicopter flies overhead. CU Small bird sitting on capstan. (f.g....

0

Video Tug boat Willy: To The Corner On The String

published on 13 September 2024

Latest video from Tub Boat Willy.

1

Video Japan Federation of Pilots' Associations (partly animated)

published on 23 June 2021

This is a video designed to educate people about pilots and their work. It consists of an animated version and a live action version.

5

Video Crossing Lake Superior on a 1,000 Foot Ship

published on 19 November 2025

This video gives you full access on board the 1000 foot Great Lakes ship Indiana Harbor of the American Steamship Company as it crosses Lake Superior from the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to Two Harbors, Minnesota. It is a complete real experience that shows daily life and work with the crew who operate one of the largest ships on the Great Lakes. We board the ship at the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and I show exactly what it is like to step on board and begin the...

0

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 Warsash Maritime Academy: a history of change

published on 24 May 2022

From Stoneham to St Mary's, discover how Warsash Maritime Academy has evolved over the decades - and how our heritage and values have steered generations of cadets into successful careers.
For more information about Warsash Maritime Academy, visit http://www.warsashacademy.co.uk/home.aspx

0

Video Pilot transfer at Port of Cork

published on 5 March 2025

Here’s a nice little video of pilotage at the Port of Cork as Safehaven’s Interceptor Pilot 48 ‘Solas’ undertakes pilot transfer with the Grimaldi line ferry ‘Grande Spagna’ in a heavy swell. We captured some fabulous drone footage.

0

Video Hamburg Pilot Boarding

published on 14 August 2020

Pilot Boat build by Abeking & Rasmussen, Germany.

0