Profession maritime pilot

Maritime pilots are mariners who guide ships through dangerous or congested waters, such as harbours or river mouths. They are expert ship handlers who possess detailed knowledge of local waterways.

Personality Type

• Enterprising / Conventional
• Realistic / Investigative

Knowledge

• Vessel stability principles

  Thoroughly understand the principles of vessel stability; follow safety requirements during loading and unloading of cargo.

• Local waters of the port

  Know the local waters of ports and the most efficient routes for the navigation of different types of vessels into docks.

• Principles of cargo stowage

  Understand the principles of cargo stowage. Understand procedures by which containers should be efficiently loaded and unloaded, taking into account gravitational forces that are exerted during transportation.

Skills

• Anchor ships to the port

  Anchor ships to the port according to the type of vessel.

• Monitor aviation meteorology

  Monitor and interpret the information provided by weather stations to anticipate conditions that may affect airports and flights.

• Conduct water navigation

  Ensure that a vessel carries up to date and adequate charts and appropriate nautical documents. Lead the process of preparing the voyage report, the vessel passage plan, daily position reports, and the pilot's information sheet.

• Plan vessel pilotage

  Plan the navigation itinerary for a vessel taking into account tidal changes and weather conditions

• Regulate the speed of ships in ports

  Regulate the speed of vessels in ports based on information provided by port authorities. Ensure the smooth arrival of the vessel into the port.

• Maintain ship logs

  Maintain written records of events and activities on a ship

• Guide ships into docks

  Safely guide a ship into a dock and anchor it.

• Ensure compliance with port regulations

  Enforce compliance with regulations in harbours and sea ports. Communicate with relevant authorities to identify potential risks.

• Steer vessels in ports

  Direct the course of vessels in ports using information on the local weather, wind, water depths tides, etc. Ensure that vessels avoid hazards such as reefs through use of navigational aids.

• Assist water-based navigation

  Ensure that up-to-date charts and nautical publications are on board the Ship. Prepare information sheets, voyage reports, passage plans, and position reports.

• Use water navigation devices

  Utilise water navigation devices, e.g. compass or sextant, or navigational aids such as lighthouses or buoys, radar, satellite, and computer systems, in order to navigate vessels on waterways. Work with recent charts/maps, notices, and publications in order to determine the precise position of a vessel.

• Use rigging tools

  Employ rigging tools such as cables, ropes, pulleys and winches to safely secure high structures.

• Coordinate dock operations

  Coordinate cargo shipments in and out of dock. Position cranes and arrange containers into shipments, taking into account the exact measures and weight of each container.

• Analyse weather forecast

  Analyse weather forecasts and the information provided on meteorological conditions, such as wind forces, atmospheric structures, clouds, and visibility. Provide analyses depending on the requirements of various different industries and service providers.

• Maintain counterweight inside modes of transport

  Maintain balance and mass distribution inside the means of transport (vessel, aircraft, train, road vehicles, etc). Ensure that passengers and cargo distribution do not hinder the mobility of the mode of transport.

• Assist in maritime rescue operations

  Provide assistance during maritime rescue operations.

• Pilot vessel into ports

  Safely navigate vessel in and out of port; communicate and cooperate with captain and ship's crew; operate vessel communication and navigation instruments; communicate with other vessels and harbour control centre.

• Carry out ship-to-shore operations

  Operate ship-to-shore radios and perform processes to exchange information required for vessel operations.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB