Pilots are expert ship handlers who possess detailed knowledge of local waterways. They are transported by high speed "Pilot Boat" or helicopter from shore to an inbound ship and from an outbound ship back ashore. Most ports have compulsory pilotage.

On Monday 29th June the school ship Amerigo Vespucci left the port of Livorno for the education campaign of the official students of the Naval Academy.
To assist the school ship also the Pilots of the Port of Livorno with the com.te Marino Biancotti.

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-...

"A routine pilot task"

Using two, 66TBP tugs to assist in berthing the 90,000 GT bulker “Jin Weng Feng”. The port is “Puerto Brisas” at La Guajira, Colombia. The vessel is turned to port just outside the berth limits due to limited room in the basin with enough depth. Then she’s backed in.

Pilot Vessel "SIRIUS IV" /On board Pilot Boat "KOON" #PilotVessel #CanalAccesoAPuertoLaPlata #RioDeLaPlata #Argentina #Argentine On this video (with original sound), you can watch the Pilot Vessel "SIRIUS IV", underway inside the #CanalAccesoAPuertoLaPlata to the Boarding Position at Zona Comun to Embark and Disembark Pilots. The video was filmed, on board the Pilot Vessel "KOON".- #CanalAccesoAPuertoLaPlata #RioDeLaPlata #Argentina Date: 17th. June 2020. Time: 10:03 hours (Local Time)....

MPA 7 and MPA 8 are our latest 15m Pilot Boat built for the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore.

In this breathtaking drone video, we bring you an up-close and personal look at the Pilot Boat Yellow Rose in action. Watch as the skilled crew expertly maneuvers the vessel through the water, guiding large ships safely into port. With our high-quality aerial footage, you'll get a bird's-eye view of the Yellow Rose in action, as she weaves through the waves, making precise turns and executing complicated docking maneuvers. You'll be amazed at the precision and skill of the crew as they work...

Fewer vessels in voyage mean less pilotage and this means less income for many Pilots. Not every Pilot is an employee and many pilots are self-employed and organised in a brotherhood per example. They are earning only money if they are piloting a vessel. No vessel – no money.

An information sheet for marine pilots about novel coronavirus. Published by the Australian Government - Department of Health