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 A Pilot named Ziggy from Ngqura (Africa)

published on 19 August 2020

Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) Port of Ngqura customers can count on experienced piloting services when their vessels are being moved in and out of the port. Ngqura boasts the services of Marine Pilot Ziggy (Siegfried) Duwe (62), who has achieved more than 4,000 ship movements in the last 12 years. He is the first pilot with this accomplishment in Algoa Bay, according to company records.

0

Video Inbound with CHIOS LUCK 188m, to Waalhaven Buoy 29

published on 28 June 2022

Video by Capt. Pilot Herman Broers, Netherlands.
Inbound with CHIOS LUCK 188m, to Waalhaven Buoy 29 for discharging woodchips from Mobile Alabama. #loodswezen #portofrotterdam

0

Opinion "Ship's Pilot" - A poem by Gaylen K. Bunker

by Frank Diegel - published on 13 February 2020

A wonderful poem by Gaylen K. Bunker found on YouTube. As read by the author from bis book "Poems".

0

Video Meet Jon, Marine Pilot at Port Authority of NSW

published on 18 December 2023

Port Authority of New South Wales manages the navigation, security and operational safety needs of commercial shipping in Sydney Harbour, Port Botany, Newcastle Harbour, Port Kembla, Eden and Yamba.

0

Article Update on the Mumbai Maersk accident off Wangerooge (Germany)

published on 3 February 2022

High water is necessary for salvage - 1 p.m. is the earliest possible start for the next salvage attempt of the 400-metre-long vessel.

2

Video Pilot Boat DEURLOO (Westerschelde Vlissingen - NL), Access to Antwerp

published on 30 May 2025

Pilot Boat in Action
Westerschelde Vlissingen NL
Access to Antwerpen

0

Video IcePad Demonstration, MARSAT

published on 26 July 2019

IcePad Demonstration, MARSAT
a product driven by Drift + Noise and TRENZ GmbH, Germany

0

Video "Malu Bay" at Queenscliff, Victoria, Australia.

published on 21 May 2026

The pilot launch Malu Bau comes alongside in the creek at Queenscliff.
Ship spotting at Point Lonsdale and other water activities by Wally on Water.

0