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 Seven questions for Capt. Gajanan Karanjikar, President at All India Maritime Pilots Association

published on 22 April 2021

In our new section “Five questions for ..." Marine-Pilots.com introduces pilots and other market players to our readers in short interviews. Today we have seven questions!

We have talked to Capt. Gajanan Karanjikar, President at All India Maritime Pilots association

0

Opinion Hybrid War at Sea

by Frank Diegel - published on 25 March 2025

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.

0

Video A day at work of Marine Pilot Evan Simkus, Port of London Authority

published on 8 March 2022

Many thanks to Capt. Pilot Evan Simkus for the insight into the working day!

1

Video A Day in the Life of a Marine Pilot

published on 2 April 2025

As an island nation, over 98% of Australia’s trade moves through ports. At the heart of the trade supply chain are the North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) marine pilots. These highly skilled maritime professionals make sure the vessels carrying goods through our ports travel safely and efficiently. Take a look at a day in the life of an NQBP marine pilot at one of Queensland’s multi-commodity ports, the Port of Mackay. Read more https://nqbp.com.au/about-us/news/articles/a-day-in-...

0

Video From a seaman. Gabon, Baie du Prince, 2012.

published on 30 June 2021

Gabon, Baie du Prince, 2012.
Getting that nice fat lady alongside

0

Video Pilot boats in rough seas during Storm Ciara

published on 20 April 2020

Here's the full video of recent sea trials with our two pilot boats including storm Ciara, three boats together and some boarding runs. Its quite an interesting little video with some great footage.

0

Article Covid-19 Pilotage Guidelines by country (gathered by IMPA)

by Frank Diegel - published on 25 October 2021

Each pilot association and each country can get a good overview of how other colleagues approach safety.
Ship crews can see which rules apply in which country.
In any case, this list from IMPA is worth looking through and reading.

0

Article Vessel Review by Baird Maritime: "DPC Dodder" - Ireland

by Baird Maritime - published on 29 August 2022

Dublin Port Company (DPC) of Ireland has taken delivery of a new pilot boat from UK-based Goodchild Marine Services. DPC Dodder is the second pilot boat in a series to be built by Goodchild Marine for the same owner.

1

Video UK Ship Pilot Dies | Required Boarding Arrangements for Pilots | How a Pilot Boards | Am Pilot Assoc

published on 19 January 2023

UK Ship Pilot Dies | Required Boarding Arrangements for Pilots | How a Pilot Boards | Am Pilot Assoc

2