Pilotage

Detailed navigation in confined, coastal or harbour waters using a pre-planned sequence of references, limits and actions.

A pilotage plan can use visual marks, transits, clearing bearings, soundings, radar ranges, GNSS positions, buoyage, tidal windows, courses, speeds and abort points. It is prepared at a scale and tempo that supports continuous monitoring as hazards and manoeuvres occur rapidly.

Electronic position checks complement rather than replace visual, depth and radar information, and a professional pilot’s presence does not remove the master’s or bridge team’s responsibilities. Weather, traffic, failures and changed buoyage require contingencies and an agreed briefing.