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 A Day in the Life of a Marine Pilot - Sipho Mnisi

published on 26 October 2021

We continue to spotlight our marine services employees this #TransportMonth. Come spend A Day in the Life of Sipho Mnisi, Marine Pilot at the Port of Durban.
#MarinePilot #PortofDurban #ADayIntheLifeof #TransportMonth #SenzaKwenzeke #TransnetNPA

0

Video Every Climb is Life or Death - What do maritime pilots do?

published on 20 March 2022

Interesting video by "JeffHK" from Hong Kong about the job of a maritime pilot.

0

Opinion The valet parker for ships

by Bianca Reineke - published on 14 November 2020

Review of Capt. Paul Lobo's book "Crossing the bar". The valet parker for ships: More than 30 years of being a Pilot. Book Review by Bianca Reineke, Germany

1

Video Suez Canal Timelapse | Life at Sea on a Container Ship

published on 6 July 2019

Tag along as we journey through Suez Canal into Mediterranean Sea.
The ship is on a 77 days voyage from Asia to East Coast United States in which we've taken the Suez Canal route. By using Suez Canal instead of around cape of Africa, this will save more than 5000 miles of fuel and time.
The time-lapse was taken over 16 hours.

0

Video AIS Track CMA CGM MISSOURI grounding in Suez Canal on Oct. 14 2020

published on 16 October 2020

Container ship CMA CGM MISSOURI ran aground in Suez Canal while transiting in southern direction, at around 0930 UTC Oct 14. As of 1745 UTC, probably refloated or moved, several Suez Canal tugs attending. Traffic probably suspended, but it’s not confirmed. No information on what caused grounding.
Container ship CMA CGM MISSOURI, IMO 9679919, dwt 115600, capacity 9448 TEU, built 2016, flag Liberia.
Thanks to Marine Traffic and Nolan Dragon.

1

Article Panorama: Incredible location for a lighthouse (Iceland)

published on 7 October 2021

It's quite possibly the most isolated lighthouse in the world and is precariously perched on top of a rock pillar with the wild waves of the cold North Atlantic ocean raging below.

0

Video HURON SPIRIT - Pilot Boat Transfer - FEDERAL YUKON - Port Huron, Michigan

published on 24 September 2020

HURON SPIRIT - PILOT BOAT TRANSFER - FEDERAL YUKON - Upbound On The St. Clair River Heading Into Lake Huron After Passing Under The International Blue Water Bridges At Port Huron, Michigan.
HURON SPIRIT - PILOT BOAT TRANSFER - FEDERAL YUKON - Port Huron, Michigan 9-23-2020

0

Article Fall overboard during pilot transfer, Moreton Bay, Queensland, on 2 July 2025

published on 19 September 2025

Occurrence Brief from the ATSB (Australia)

0

Video The perfect pilot ladder

published on 9 September 2022

Top condition. Quality assurance with label, certificate and registration. Truly exemplary work in the service of safety for pilots. Great to see that.

3