Description
Guide and direct oceangoing vessels through ports, channels, and inland waterways, advising the master and controlling navigation for safe arrivals, departures, and transits. Coordinate with tugs, lines, and vessel traffic services, holding a U.S. Coast Guard credential with appropriate federal or state pilotage endorsements.
- • Determine and direct vessel courses and speeds using expert knowledge of local winds, tides, currents, depths, and hazards.
- • Prevent unsafe maneuvers and suspend movements when conditions exceed safe limits.
- • Serve as docking master during arrivals, departures, and shifts.
- • Consult charts, ECDIS, tide tables, and weather to plan and execute pilotage.
- • Direct helm and engine orders and coordinate navigation using radar, AIS, echo sounders, and visual aids.
- • Operate VHF radios to communicate with VTS, tugs, pilots, bridges, and terminals.
- • Maneuver ships to dock or undock in confined waters, locks, or narrow channels.
- • Stand bridge watch during pilotage transits and critical navigation periods.
- • Verify pilot ladder compliance and safe boarding arrangements.
- • Check bridge readiness, including steering, engines, thrusters, anchors, and navigational equipment.
- • Monitor draft, squat, and under-keel clearance throughout the transit.
- • Report violations of federal or state pilotage laws and port regulations.
- • Assist in maritime search and rescue or emergency response when required.
- • Signal passing traffic using sound, lights, flags, or radio per COLREGS.
- • Monitor depths and cross-check soundings with charts and tidal data.
- • Maintain and calibrate portable pilot units and handheld radios.
- • Direct tugs, mooring crews, and linesmen to rig lines, make up, and let go.
- • Advise the master on local harbor rules, customs, bridge openings, and terminal procedures.
- • Keep pilotage logs of boarding times, orders, courses, speeds, positions, and incidents.
- • Assess berth, channel, and mooring conditions and verify terminal restrictions before movement.
- • Fix vessel position using visual ranges, radar, and electronic navigation.
- • Train and refresh skills using simulators and continuing education on new systems.
- • Lead the master–pilot exchange and brief the bridge team on the passage plan and contingencies.
- • Arrange pilot boarding, tug assignments, escorts, and traffic windows with agents and port services.
- • Ensure current local charts, tide tables, and notices to mariners are available and used.
- • Coordinate tugboat make-up, push/pull power, and escort requirements during maneuvers.
- • Report hazards, obstructions, or pollution sightings to the appropriate authorities.
- • Promote effective bridge resource management and closed-loop communications.
- • Implement contingency actions for engine failure, steering loss, or other emergencies during transit.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
