Pilotage

Pilotage is the conduct of a ship through confined or hazardous waters by a licensed pilot with local knowledge of the channel, tides, traffic, and berths. The pilot advises and usually directs the ship’s handling, but the master retains command and overriding authority and the bridge team keeps an independent watch; the pilot’s presence does not relieve the master or officer of the watch of their duties for safety. Many ports impose compulsory pilotage by national or port law within defined limits. The master-pilot exchange at boarding agrees the passage plan, abort points, tug and anchor use, and any ship defect, working from the pilot card. SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 23 governs the pilot transfer arrangements and boarding equipment.