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 Good old times: PLA Thames Pilots at Work

published on 18 May 2020

Footage showing the ARCADIA leaving Tilbury Landing Stage and PLA pilot boarding sugar ship bound for Thames Refinery. footage taken from the documentary short film ' Till I End My Song'

0

Video Maldives Pilotage

published on 22 November 2019

MALDIVES PILOTAGE

0

Video The Halifax Explosion Inquiry Blamed One Pilot. Two Courts Disagreed

published on 1 September 2026

A French munitions ship and a Norwegian steamer collided in Halifax harbour in December 1917, and the blast that followed remains the largest human-made explosion before the atomic bomb. Within six days, a formal inquiry opened — and within two months it placed nearly all the blame on one harbour pilot. Wreck Commissioner Arthur Drysdale's inquiry found Mont-Blanc's pilot and captain responsible for the collision that triggered the disaster, and all three men involved, including a naval...

0

Video Teaser: “The Robert Smalls Story”, American Maritime Pilot

published on 1 May 2022

The American Maritime Pilot has a special and important job bringing ships into port safely. In the history of pilots Robert Smalls stands out as one of the most heroic and able pilots in American History.
Watch the full video below:

0

Video Pilot Transfer

published on 27 August 2026

"Pilot Transfer"
A scene shot last night for the New Documentary
"Northern Venture"
The Pilot boats are owned by a Port Dover Company and there are a few captains on this vessel from Port Dover.

1

Article Maryland bans cellphone use by maritime pilots

published on 9 January 2023

The Maryland Board of Pilots has decided to enact a rule change that forbids on-duty pilots from using their phones.

0

Article Our Book Recommendations on Marine-Pilots.com

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 4 July 2020

Books about pilotage, mooring, shiphandling, tugs & Co,

1

Opinion Piloting and the unstoppable wheel of technology.

by Captain Ricardo Caballero "Themaritimepilot" - published on 25 June 2020

Surely, the new invention also reduced the amount of time and hands (manpower) previously required to perform such a task. Now those idling "extra hands" could dedicate the "extra time" that was made available, to take care of other issues important for the community.

0

Video Interaction Bank Effect

published on 30 June 2022

Educational and descriptive video

1

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