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 The Maryland Pilots between 1950-1965 (a journey through time)

published on 26 March 2020

The Maryland Pilots have guided ships to and from Baltimore since the 1700's. They have been chartered as an organization since 1852. This is an edited except from films about the Pilots shot between 1950-1965 for the Port that Built a City and State. The original films are in the archives of the Baltimore Museum of Industry.

0

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

Opinion Column: Keeping the Pilot safe (by Michael Grey)

by Baird Maritime - published on 21 January 2022

There are some problems that never seem to go away and one is the perennial difficulties in providing a safe way of getting pilots on and off a ship.

0

Video Manouvring port of genoa with italian pilot onboard

published on 15 December 2023

this video taken during our unberth at genoa, italy and we have pilot onboard to manouver our vessel. thank you very much mga higala. pls. do subscribe our channel and hit the bell icon for more videp updates. camera:Gopro hero 7 editor:Capcut apps edited by: Baijamex location:Port of genoa, italy No-copyright infringement intended. Music backround not mine belongs to their rightful owners.

0

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 The perfect pilot ladder

published on 9 September 2022

Top condition. Quality assurance with label, certificate and registration. Truly exemplary work in the service of safety for pilots. Great to see that.

3

Video Pilottender Wulpen outbound from Vlissingen

published on 22 June 2022

Pilot tender outbound for a assistance of a outbound sea going vessel at Oosterschelde.

0

Video Boarding a Ship in Port Geraldton, Australia

published on 28 July 2021

Big thanks to Geraldton Port Authority for allowing Bill and I to go out in one of their pilot boats and board a ship. It was a beautiful day for it.

0

Video Pilot "rides" aboard on ladder elevator. Footage from 1966

published on 22 December 2021

Editors note: There was a reason why this idea of a kind of ladder-elevator did not become accepted!

0