Pilots

Question 1

What is the primary responsibility of the Master or officer in charge of the navigational watch when a pilot is on board?

Answer 1

To ensure the safety of the ship and maintain their duties and obligations.

Question 2

What information should the Master and the pilot exchange?

Answer 2

•Navigation procedures
•local conditions.
•the ship’s characteristics.

Question 3

How should the Master and/or officer in charge cooperate with the pilot?

Answer 3

By closely co-operating and maintaining an accurate check on the ship’s position and movement.

Question 4

What should the officer in charge of the navigational watch do if there is doubt about the pilot’s actions?

Answer 4

Seek clarification from the pilot.

Question 5

If doubt still exists after seeking clarification from the pilot, what action should the officer in charge take?

Answer 5

Notify the Master immediately and take whatever action is necessary.

Question 6

True or False: The presence of a pilot on board relieves the Master of their responsibilities.

Answer 6

False.

Question 7

REQUIRED BOARDING ARRANGEMENTS FOR PILOTS

Answer 7

Question 8

Pilotage Checklists

Answer 8

Question 9

Does the presence of a pilot relieve the Master or OOW of responsibility?

Answer 9

No — the Master and OOW remain fully responsible for safe navigation.

Question 10

What should the Master and Pilot exchange on boarding?

Answer 10

Navigation procedures, local conditions, and ship’s characteristics.

Question 11

What must the OOW do if in doubt about the Pilot’s actions?

Answer 11

Seek clarification; if still unsure, call the Master immediately and take safe action.

Question 12

What key details are exchanged during Master/Pilot information exchange?

Answer 12

Ship identity (name, flag, call sign, IMO, type, agent, last port), communication details (VHF, fax, telex, etc.), pilot boarding info (ETA, boarding station, freeboard), ship particulars (draught, length, beam, displacement, air draught, anchors), manoeuvring info (speeds, thrusters, propellers, rudder type, engine data), defects relevant to safe navigation, berthing restrictions.

Question 13

What is a Pilot Card?

Answer 13

A standard form giving ship’s particulars, manoeuvring, and engine data for the pilot.

Question 14

What is the Wheelhouse Poster?

Answer 14

Display showing manoeuvring characteristics (turning circles, stopping distances, thruster performance, rudder limits, squat data, etc.) per IMO A.601(15).

Question 15

What SOLAS requirements apply to pilot boarding arrangements?

Answer 15

Must comply with SOLAS Ch. V and IMO/IMPA recommendations.

Question 16

Key safety requirements for pilot ladders?

Answer 16

Min. diameter side ropes: 32mm (handhold stanchions), 28mm (man-ropes). Handholds: 70–80 cm apart, rigidly secured. Ladder must extend 2 m above platform. Steps: equally spaced, horizontal, spreader every 8 steps (min. 180cm long). No shackles, knots, splices, or loops. Accommodation ladder combination for freeboard >9m. Proper lighting at night, lifebuoy with light, and officer supervising transfer.