The marine pilot onboard (LAB)

The job of a marine pilot is that of an independent and autonomous professional. With the captain’s approval, they take over the navigation of the ship as well as acting as his advisor.

Marine pilots are able to manoeuvre all types of sea-going vessels, whilst at the same time dealing with communications in the VTS area, making judgments on hydro-meteorological circumstances and giving directions to tug boats. Additionally, they have up to the minute knowledge of tides and currents, procedures, traffic flows, ports, berths and cargo making them of extra value onboard. As a result, pilots have an important role to play in ensuring the safe and efficient flow of shipping traffic, as well as protecting the environment and infrastructure. Alongside this, however, is their responsibility towards the ship, its cargo and crew. In order to maintain the high quality of their services, the manager of high risk operations follows the legal requirements very closely, such as the regulations of the Nederlandse Loodsen Corporatie (NLC).