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 Unayzah Express 2021 (Preparing Gangway) Container vessel

published on 19 August 2025

Let's change our perspective and see how the team sets up an accommodation ladder.

0

Video Port of Rotterdam: Loodswezen (Netherland Pilots)

published on 9 June 2020

#Portheroes #Opencall The port of Rotterdam is and will remain operational. Thanks to you. Thanks to our #Portheroes. We’re proud to show how, thanks to the boundless commitment of local company staff, our port can remain up and running. In this first instalment of the #Portheroes series, we show how Rotterdam’s pilots are working hard to keep everything ‘business as usual’ in the port. An open call: interested in contributing to one of our videos? Please contact us via...

0

Video Role Of Harbour Pilot - At Sydney Port

published on 4 July 2019

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.

0

Video Kayleigh Ward - Belfast Harbour Pilot Boat Crew

published on 11 July 2024

Our Pilot Boats play a crucial role in maintaining the daily flow of maritime traffic to and from Belfast Harbour. Working 24/7, 365 days a year, in all kinds of weather conditions, this dedicated team carries out the vital task of bringing the Harbour Pilots out to arriving vessels, where they guide them safely into their berths, as well as disembarking them, often in challenging sea conditions on Belfast Lough.
Kayleigh Ward, our sole female pilot boat crew member, reveals how she gave up...

0

Article Salt water runs deep in veins of Esperance marine pilot

by Carwyn Monck - published on 14 February 2024

Experiences from Australia: No two days are the same for a marine pilot in a busy port such as Esperance, but Mr MacAdie wouldn’t have it any other way.

0

Video Delaware River Pilot Boat Overfalls

published on 29 April 2025

Delaware River Pilot Boat Overfalls Working the Delaware River - Paulsboro, NJ - March 18, 2025

0

Article Shipping Industry Guidance on Pilot Transfer Arrangements, Version 3

published on 13 January 2022

This guidance is intended to remind seafarers and companies of the vital importance of adhering to the rules and established procedures concerning the provision of safe boarding arrangements for pilots.

0

Video Simulation of the Collision of Norwegian Warship HNoMS Helge Ingstad

published on 15 November 2019

The following is the video presentation from a joint investigation into the Nov. 8, 2018 collision of HNoMS Helge Ingstad and the merchant tanker Sola TS. Video from Accident Investigation Board Norway (AIBN) and the Defence Accident Investigation Board Norway (DAIBN)

0

Video GoPro Sticker Tips: Time-lapse vessel videos with telemetry data widgets

by River Pilot Kris De Decker - published on 29 September 2021

Tips by Captain Kris.
kris@mes.de
krisdedecker

0