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 My First MEGA SHIP Voyage - Didn't See This Coming!

published on 19 August 2025

It’s my first voyage taking over solo watch as a navigating officer – from bridge commands to monitoring traffic and weather, every second counts. Once we arrive in Ningbo, it’s straight into cargo operations, intense mooring work, and pilotage.

0

Video Falmouth Pilots: Working as Maritime Pilot (Documentary 2019)

published on 30 March 2022

Documentary from 2019 by "The Sea Lad"

1

Opinion Piloting in the Corona Era - Understanding differences in COVID-19 mitigating procedures

by Herman Broers - Rotterdam / Netherlands - published on 20 April 2020

As the world struggles with the Covid-19 virus, the maritime world is being hit hard, not only economically, but also socially and operationally. Iin shipping there are no borders.

0

Video Maritime Pilot - 8,000 Piloted moves - Episode 11

by Dr. Captain Ahmed Sati - published on 18 December 2024

Congratulation to Ahmed Sati for 8,000 moves!

1

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 Aberdeen Pilot Boat “Sea Shepherd in high winds

published on 13 September 2021

Aberdeen Pilot Boat “Sea Shepherd” following a vessel into port. Wind speed of 40kts gusting 50kts

0

Opinion Pilot cutter total isolation, Dutch pilots have to take unnecessary risks

published on 11 January 2022

All five crew of pilot vessel POLLUX PILOT VESSEL, Dutch Pilotage Service, came up with positive test after self-testing on 9 January 2022.

0

Article LOC Launch Digital Solution Enhancing Port Pilotage Safety

published on 26 February 2021

LOC, part of AqualisBraemar LOC Group, is pleased to announce it is launching a new digital solution to enhance safety of marine operations within ports and harbours.

1

Video Perjalanan Penuh Tantangan Maritime Pilot - Ep 23

published on 18 October 2020

Mungkin banyak sebagian dari kita masih asing dengan istilah Maritime Pilot . Padahal masa depan profesi ini sangat cerah. Kedepannya profesi ini sangat dibutuhkan baik di dunia pelayaran domestik dan internasional.
Untuk mendapatkan keahlian memandu kapal ternyata harus melalui beberapa tahap yang cukup panjang dan penuh tantangan.Simak pula perjalanan karir Capt. Akhmad Syaiful Salim sampai menjadi seorang Mariime pilot yang berhasil.
Semoga menjadi insiprasi generasi muda Indonesia....

0

Article Gladding-Hearn Delivers Sixth High-Speed Launch to Delta Pilots

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 15 July 2020

Delta Launch Services, the operating company for the Associated Branch pilots on the SW Pass of the Mississippi, has taken delivery of a new pilot boat from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation. This is the sixth St. John’s Class launch built for the Delta pilots by the Somerset, Mass. shipyard.

0