Introduction of the pilot boat

A pilot boat is a ship that is responsible for the safety of navigation of piloted ships, in ports and waterways, and for the safety of ships, port facilities, and other property. Pilotage is highly technical work. Therefore, it needs to have high professional quality and technical level and can operate in strict accordance with relevant regulations and operating procedures. Pilotage is very important in ship navigation and is one of the key links to ensuring navigation safety, avoiding or reducing collisions, and ensuring the normal operation of port production and equipment. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on the management and supervision of pilotage operations, pilotage should be the responsibility of the captain, who must have the qualification of pilotage captain and pass the training examination, and hold the certificate issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Here is the content list:

l The responsibility of pilotage

l Technical conditions

l Pilotage preparation

The responsibility of pilotage

When piloting a ship, the pilot vessel shall control the port waters in accordance with the master's instructions, orders, or the ship itself in order to avoid collision accidents. Since there are usually many obstacles and deep pits in the port waters, and sometimes there are reefs, shoals, and other unsafe factors, a reasonable pilotage plan must be made according to the actual situation of the ship. The pilot boat shall declare and record to the relevant competent authority in accordance with the relevant regulations when piloting the ship. The pilot boat shall keep the radio communication open and provide the relevant nautical information to other ships and port management departments in time.

Technical conditions

The pilot boat captain should be familiar with the characteristics of the waterway in this sea area, the water depth, topography, channel direction, and water depth of the port pool, and the navigable environment. Familiar with the port condition, port area and water operation, and ship entry and exit plan and route of the port. Familiar with port equipment and facilities, such as various signals, horn lights, signage, etc. Understand various signals and beacons in the port, be familiar with the anchorage and shallow water area and waterway situation, and be clear about the basic situation of loading and unloading equipment. Familiar with navigational beacons, if possible, an experienced pilot boat captain.

Pilotage preparation

Before pilotage, check and familiarize yourself with relevant charts, hydrographic data, and relevant security measures, prepare the pilot and the equipment carried by him/her, as other information that needs to be brought to the captain and chief engineer. Number the pilot boat at the bow according to the size, draft, and load of the ship, and fix the boat on the bow deck for easy operation and maintenance. Issue instructions to ships outside the port and ask for information about the ship's draught difference, etc. as required. The pilot boat is not just guiding the roadway so scissors, he needs to do a lot of advance preparation.

The above is a short introduction to the pilot boat, we hope it can help you to know the function and role of the pilot boat correctly.