BRM Ch8 Pilot Integration

Technical questions What is the difference between a compulsory and a voluntary pilot? To whom does the pilot have an obligation? Is the pilot a member of the bridge team? Who license a pilot?

Case study： Car carrier Figaro collided tankship Camargue, the hydrodynamic effect of bank cushion.(see fig. 8.1)

Role of the pilot The idea that a pilot helps a ship complete a safe transit is a source of potential misunderstanding. A ship’s captain always retains his or her authority and responsibility for the ship’s safety. The pilot is licensed by the government to ensure that no harm to the people, property, or environment.

Pilot integration A ship’s crew must make sure they take advantage of the pilot’s abilities while simultaneously maintaining control of their own vessel. Ship’s crew must integrate the pilot into the operation of the bridge team in order to maximize use of the pilot’s unique abilities while keeping in mind that pilots are human beings and are therefore capable of making mistakes.

Pilot requirements Pilot use is either compulsory or voluntary. STCW and CFRs mandate that a ship’s pilot and the captain exchange information about the ship’s characteristics and local navigation. A table showing a ship’s handling characteristics is another requirement of the CFRs. The pilot card, maneuvering characteristic, and voyage plan. To ensure that there is a genuine exchange of information between the pilot and the captain.

Elements of a pilot information card Confirm following equipment is operational: Anchor, Whistle, Radar/ARPA, Speed log, Gyrocompass, Magnetic compass, VHF, GPS/ECDIS/AIS Known inoperative or slow-to-respond equipment Lookout/ anchor watch posted and means of communication General information Name Call sign Year built Port of departure Agent

Elements of a pilot information card Specifications Length overall (LOA) Length between perpendiculars (LBP) Distance from bridge-to-bow and bridge-to-taffrail Drafts (forward and aft) Vertical distance Gross tonnage, net tonnage, displacement tonnage Rudder type (Becker, spade, etc.)

Elements of a pilot information card Voyage plan Review voyage plan Cargo and loading condition Prearrival checks complete Speed required/expected Position to meet tugs/docking pilot

Elements of a pilot information card Engineering Main propulsion: type and horsepower Thruster horsepower Restrictions on plant (computerized controls, known deficiencies)

Elements of a pilot information card Maneuvering characteristics Stopping distances calculated in both time and distance (ship length) for both loaded and unloaded conditions Maximum speed through the water at which engine can be reversed Maximum rudder angle Time from left full to right full Turning radii (at various speeds and loading conditions) Squat at various speeds/depths

Case study: The Queen Elizabeth 2 grounding (Fig. 8.3)

Giving orders Once we have shared information with pilot, we must make the lines of authority clear. Simultaneously, everyone must remember that the captain still retains his authority and responsibility for the safety of his ship. If the pilot’s actions become manifestly unreasonable or irrational, the master must be prepared to take control of his ship.

Obligations of the pilot A pilot is expected to develop and maintain a cooperative, mutually supportive working relationship with the master and the bridge crew in recognition of the respective responsibility of each for safe navigation. The pilot must understand the ship, its procedures, and its captain’s intention in order to accomplish the mutual goal of safe voyage. Therefore, the pilot should must be treated as if he or she were a member of the team.

Obligations of the crew Team members have to build up a working relationship that includes respect and an understanding of the abilities and limitations of each team member. Honesty is essential. There is nothing wrong with asking a pilot why he or she is doing something. To ask a pilot reasonable questions will demonstrate an interest in the voyage that may develop a better working relationship and thus a more pleasure and efficient voyage.

Pilot departure In fact, pilot departure and arrival can be very awkward or even dangerous evolutions as the ship maneuvers for the launch and crewmembers are engaged in rigging ladders and escorting the pilot. Case study: Mount Ymitos collided with Noordam, after the pilot just departured. (Figure 8.4)

Summary Time may be money, but “hast makes waste.”

Discussion questions Why do you think Mount Ymito’s pilot failed to tell the captain and the watch officer that he had entered Noordam into Mount Ymito’s ARPA? Is it possible he did tell them, but they failed to hear or understand him? Have you ever witnessed a captain taking control of his ship away from a pilot? What were the circumstances? What procedures or checklists do you follow to integrate the pilot when he or she first comes aboard?