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...

Article Salt water runs deep in veins of Esperance marine pilot

by Carwyn Monck - published on 14 February 2024

Experiences from Australia: No two days are the same for a marine pilot in a busy port such as Esperance, but Mr MacAdie wouldn’t have it any other way.

0

Video A day in the life of a PLA Pilot (London): 20 August 2025

published on 9 December 2025

A day in the life of a PLA Pilot and the team effort it takes to get the job done

3

Video Welcome to Lyttelton Port Company

published on 27 August 2025

Lyttelton is the largest port in the South Island of New Zealand. We are the gateway for the goods that keep our region moving. From the Container Terminal to the Dry Dock, and inland to CityDepot and MidlandPort, LPC offers a wide range of facilities and services Our Vision is to be New Zealand’s most sustainable and innovative maritime gateway, enriching our communities and driving economic prosperity. Our Purpose is to facilitate growth of trade for Christchurch, Canterbury and the wider...

0

Article Port of Oakland welcomes biggest ship ever this week

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 19 April 2020

Coronavirus may be hampering global trade but it hasn't broken the supply chain at the Port of Oakland. The latest evidence: the largest ship ever to call in Oakland arrives this week. The container vessel MSC Anna is scheduled to berth at the Port April 16.

The ship will tie up at Oakland International Container Terminal on the Oakland Estuary. The Port said that the 1,312-foot-long vessel is on special assignment from Geneva-based shipping line MSC. It’s collecting a backlog of empty containers in Southern California before arriving in Oakland. It’s scheduled to spend 24 hours here discharging import containers and loading exports.

0

Article An overview of the different spellings for a Marine Pilot

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 1 December 2019

Please use the menu item "Feedback" if you have another spelling or country-specific name for us.

0

Video A conversation about the Jones Act

published on 13 January 2023

Jones Act conversation on KKCR-FM, hosted by Felicia Cowden, with guests Colin Grabow, Ed Enos, Jonathan Helton and Mark Coleman

0

Video ​SWATH-Tender WESER PILOT at Elbcam "Grauerort"

published on 10 June 2026

​Ein außergewöhnlicher Anblick an der Festung Grauerort am 1. Juni 2026: Das markante rote Lotsenversetzschiff WESER passierte am späten Vormittag unsere Elbcam. Das Spezialschiff, das in der markanten SWATH-Bauweise (Doppelrumpf) konstruiert ist, befand sich nach einem Werftaufenthalt auf dem Rückweg in sein Stammrevier. Mit rund 12,5 Knoten zog der rote Hingucker elbabwärts an der Kamera vorbei.

0

Video Delaware River Pilot Boat Transfers

published on 19 September 2023

Delaware River Pilot Boat Transfers Pilot to Moving Ship - Delaware River - Philadelphia - August 23, 2023

0

Article Marine Pilots Events

by Frank Diegel - published on 5 July 2021

The list of physical pilot events is very clear in times of Corona. Nevertheless, it can be viewed at www.Marine-Pilots.com/events. Does anyone have more information about events?

0

Article The IMPA Safety Campaign starts today

published on 1 October 2020

Today is the beginning of IMPA´s 2020 Safety Campaign survey, and we would like to encourage you all to participate!

To submit a report click here: https://survey.impahq.org

0