Pilot

A mariner with detailed local knowledge who advises the person navigating a vessel in pilotage waters.

A maritime pilot boards or remotely assists a vessel for a port approach, river, canal or other area where specialised knowledge is required. The pilot advises on local depths, currents, traffic, tugs, berths and procedures, but the exact legal division of responsibility is governed by the applicable jurisdiction and vessel arrangements.

The word has also been used for a publication describing coasts and harbours. To prevent tooltip ambiguity, that second meaning should have a separate entry titled Pilot Book or Sailing Directions rather than being combined with the professional role.