Pilotage

Question 1

Pilot/Master responsibilities

Answer 1

The Master has full responsibility for the safe navigation and manoeuvering of his ship during all acts of pilotage.

Generally, the Master should:
- Follow the pilots advice
- Continue to monitor the progress of the vessel - position fixing etc
- Ensure officers/helmsmen follow the pilots requests with efficiency and courtest
- Remind OOW that he has charge of the vessel while under pilotage and follow the correct procedures if in doubt of the pilots intentions

Question 2

Master / Pilot exchange

Answer 2

• Presentation of a completed pilot card
• Pilotage plan including any contingency plans, abort points etc
• Updates on local conditions such as weather, depth of water, tides, tidal streams etc
• Update on traffic conditions
• Wheelhouse poster which includes ships dimensions and manoeuvring information
• Ship handling characteristics
• Defects
• Information on berthing arrangements including tugs, mooring boats etc
• Location of LSA equipment
• Confirmation of working language

Question 3

What is a pilot ladder?

Answer 3

• A ladder that conforms to regulations, made of hardwood steps and Manila rope (natural fiber)
• Bottom 4 rungs can be made of rubber
• 5th run always a spreader bar, to prevent ladder from twisting
• Spreader should be every 9 steps thereafter

Question 4

Pilot boarding arrangements

Answer 4

• Stanchions
• Life buoy with light and buoyant line
• Competent person with communication to the bridge
• Ladder hangs hard up against the hull, so it does not swing inwards
• Well illuminated and light shining forward so as not to blind the driver
• Clear and safe access
• Away from overboard discharges - exhausts etc

Question 5

Steps to boarding a Pilot

Answer 5

• Initial contact made
  
  • Position, course and speed
  • Time
  • Ladder side and height
• Lifebuoy and light on standby
• Responsible officer on standby and comms established with bridge
• Pilot ladder correctly rigged and tested
• Well illuminated with light shining forward
• Pilot embarked and escorted to bridge
• Hotel hoisted
• Pilot/master exchange