NAVIGATION WITH PILOT EMBARKED

The pilot plays a crucial role in the safe navigation of the vessel
to her destination.
Expert in the local waters, a Pilot is imperative to the Bridge
Team.
Berthing/un-berthing, anchoring, transiting narrow channels etc.
are very specialized operations and require expertise of a very
objective manner that results in efficient planning, monitoring
and execution of safe passage.
The ship’s master is undoubtedly conversant with the vessel and
the crew, but might not be extremely well versed with certain
port areas; the pilot’s localized knowledge is what
compensates that aspect.
Seafarers will be aware that the quality of Pilotage varies from
country to country; this is of concern to the Master, for a wrong
move can jeopardize the safety of the vessel and her crew.

Pilot’s presence on board is for added vigilance and not as a

substitute.
The pilot’s inclusion doesn’t exempt the OOW of his duties. As
much of an expert as the pilot may be, the master remains the
sole skipper and the last word on every matter.
The master remains responsible for the vessel and her safe
navigation and any incident doesn’t exonerate him from blame.
When in doubt of the pilot’s efficiency, he may choose to take over
the handling of the vessel. Therefore, it is important that the OOW
assists the Master duly with the expected diligence and fulfils his
duties, which include the following:
Prior to pilot boarding
1. Determine the correct expected time of arrival (ETA) to
pilot with the VTS on the VHF.
There are numerous vessels (especially in high
concentration areas, e.g., Istanbul) and they, almost always,
require pilots. Hence it is important to know the exact time
of arrival and adhere to schedule. Log all communications.
2. Rig pilot ladder, observing strict standards of safety. The
VTS generally informs as to which side the pilot will be
boarding from and the requirement of height above water;
also, rig gangway (combination) if asked for. The pilot
ladder should be arranged as per the instructions given with
all safety measures on standby (life jackets, life buoy,
handheld VHF etc.).
3. Check if all the required equipment is up and running.
4. Synchronize clocks.
5. Keep both radars ready and working.
6. Put echo sounder on to constantly monitor the UKC.
7. Adjust squelch and volume controls of the VHF for clear
communication.
8. Keep the appropriate (large scale) charts ready for plotting.
9. Master/Pilot exchange forms prepared.
10. Inform the Engine Control Room (ECR) of the arrival time.
11. Unless extremely necessary and urgent, suspend all work on
deck and designate crew for efficient Pilotage.
12. Get mooring equipments checked and ready.
13. Advise crew of the time of arrival at port and to be on ‘stand
by’.
14. Engage manual steering prior to arrival of the pilot and give
time to the helmsman to get accustomed to it in his own way
before he is instructed to maneuver.
15. Hoist the pilot flag.
ONCE PILOT ON BOARD
The bridge team should support the pilot by:
 maintaining a good lookout and situational awareness;

 providing expertise in the use of bridge equipment and systems;

 Continually monitoring the pilot's actions and promptly seeking
clarification as necessary and/or calling the master. The officer in
charge of a navigational watch must take whatever action is
necessary before the master arrives to maintain the safety of
navigation; and
 Discussing, agreeing and communicating to the entire bridge

team, any change to the ship's voyage plan advised by the pilot. In
case of any required change, the original voyage plan should be
amended and documented; the amended voyage plan must then
be followed.

1. After ushering in the pilot, once pleasantries have been

exchanged with the Master, it is generally the pilot who
goes to instruct the helmsman about the course of
action.
2. Any specific operational requirement by the Pilot, so long as
the Master approves, is to be provided for.
3. The OOW should be observant of the helmsman. The
crew might be overworked / fatigued in which case the OOW
 should ensure that there is somebody else on standby to
relieve him.
4. All the important navigational marks should be noted
down in the Ship Manoeuvring Book correspondent to
the chart or otherwise.
5. Ensure that the Pilot duly signs all the required forms.
Needless to say, it is also required to get the Master’s
signature on all of them.
6. The position of the vessel should be plotted on the chart
as deemed necessary by the Master. If it is more than the
OOW to handle all at once, he can always designate the
Cadet to plot the position, if the Master approves of it.
7. If the vessel is proceeding to berth at the jetty, the OOW is to
follow the Master’s instructions with regard to the
maneuvering speed and such other orders. Relayed to the
Master by the Pilot, those orders are immensely crucial to
the safe berthing of the vessel. The OOW doesn’t have to be
concerned about the stations unnecessarily for that aspect is
duly taken care of.

Pilot Away
1. As a matter of extending courtesy, the pilot is ushered out as he’s
ushered in. Once the forms are signed, and all other
 paperwork has been completed, the OOW should ensure that
pilot exits safely.
2. It is advisable to inform the crew a bit in advance so they may
have the ladder/combination ladder rigged on the required side
3. As is with boarding the vessel, all safety measures should be
adhered to.
4. The entire process of pilot embarking and disembarking is
rather simple yet risky. Risky for the crew, for rigging the pilot
ladder and gangway is clear exposure to harm, especially in older
vessels.
5. The OOW should be vigilant that all safe working practices are
strictly followed. Also, Pilotage is a great experience for a cadet.
6. If possible and deemed appropriate by the Master, the cadet
ought to be made a part of the operation.
The pilot might be part of the Bridge Team; however, it is
imperative to remember that any error on behalf of the pilot
doesn’t exonerate the Master from his responsibilities.
The pilot is merely an addition to the team and not absolute in
command. Therefore, the OOW should assist the Master in having
a trouble free Pilotage.
Masters and officers in charge of a navigational watch remain
responsible for the safe navigation of their ships at all times
including when a port or coastal pilot is on board.
The master should ensure that the bridge remains adequately
manned and under the responsibility of a certificated officer in
charge of a navigational watch.