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 Marine pilot Devan Pulliah (TNPA) reminisces on his journey

published on 15 October 2020

As a navy veteran with seven years experience, mainly on strike craft, Devan Pulliah joined Transnet in 1997 to become a tug master in East London before being enrolled in Transnet National Ports Authority’s class of 1999 to help change the future of the maritime industry.

0

Video History of the Pen Bay Pilots and Captain Bill Abbott, presented by Captain David Gelinas

published on 1 May 2022

Captain David Gelinas will discuss the history of the Pen Bay Pilots and how the Maine's State Pilotage System is practiced on Penobscot Bay. He will also share stories about Captain Bill Abbott who mentored him when he became a pilot.

0

Video Departure pier#44 June 2020 Constanta Port, Romania

published on 26 June 2020

Video by marine pilot ESIL ABIBULA.

1

Video Pilotage on Sabine River (USA)

published on 19 May 2022

Great filmed voyage along the river Sabine. Normally it takes 6 to 7 hours from the terminal to Sabine pilot bay with 2 pilots assisted by 1 tugboat to Sabine inner pilot station....

0

Article The scariest 15 minutes of my life

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 14 August 2019

An authentic report by Marine Pilot Capt. Agha Umar Habib (Port of Sohar, Oman) about a dramatic incident on July 23, 2019.

2

Article Belgium: Shipping Delays Persist as Pilots Continue Pension Protest

published on 13 October 2025

The Professional Association of Maritime and Inland Pilots (Beroepsvereniging van Loodsen – BvL) announced on Thursday that its strike over Belgium’s pension reform will continue throughout the weekend.

1

Video Pilot boarding in Klaipeda, Lithuania. Pilot Boat "Minge"

published on 25 September 2022

Pilot onboard for Docking to Port of. Klaipeda Lithuania.
#seamanslife
#Bahaynabakal

1

Article PTR Holland Group Joins RightShip’s Zero Harm Innovation Partners Program

published on 19 August 2025

PTR Holland Group partners with RightShip to elevate pilot transfer safety through the Zero Harm Innovation Partners Program.

0

Opinion Fashion Label "Camp David" launches "Sea Pilots" Collection

by Frank Diegel - published on 29 September 2020

The label was developed in 1997 by the company Clinton as a brand of leisurewear for men.

0

Video MV Galicia Drops off the Cherbourg Pilot, 28/10/22

published on 15 November 2022

The pilot leaps to his boat accompanied by claps and exclamations of; "Bravo!".

0