Pilot Training

Enroll in expert-led maritime pilotage training for career advancement.

Expert Guidance

Certificate in IMO-Compliant Marine Pilotage

This is a Distance Learning Course with 12 months to one and a half year access to finish. However, you can finish this course in one intensive 6 weeks if you really go for it!

The course is part of the Parent Full course Rig Move and Jacking Operations MasterClass which is Recognized by the Nautical Institute London UK.

Safety Protocols

Module 1: Foundations of Marine Pilotage and Safety

• Introduction to Pilotage: An overview of the role, responsibilities, and historical context of marine pilotage. Understanding the function of pilot organisations and competent pilotage authorities. The importance of adhering to local requirements and continuous professional development will be emphasised.

• Pilot Transfer Operations Safety: Detailed information on the safe conduct of pilot transfer operations, aligning with recommendations on personal safety training. This includes understanding pilot ladder certification, identification, and record-keeping. The importance of complying with regulations such as SOLAS V/23 and IMO Resolution A.1045(27), as amended, will be covered. Common issues such as non-compliant pilot transfer arrangements and the significance of reporting near-misses will be addressed.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Understanding the types and proper use of equipment designed to enhance safety during pilot transfer operations.

• Risk Assessment and Management in Pilotage: Principles of formal risk assessment and its application to pilotage operations, aiming to reduce risks to a level that is as low as reasonably practicable. Identifying hazards associated with pilot transfer, navigation, and ship handling, and implementing control measures will be a focus.

• Emergency Preparedness and Response: Developing and implementing emergency response or crisis management plans for serious casualties or fatalities during pilot transfer operations. This includes identifying necessary resources and establishing liaison with emergency services and other stakeholders. The importance of pilots becoming familiar with port emergency plans and updating their knowledge regularly will be highlighted.

Module 9: Pilot Transfer Operations: Safety and Best Practices

• Personal safety training requirements for pilots, including survival and personal protective equipment (PPE). This will delve into the necessary training to support safe pilot transfer operations, aligning with IMO Assembly Resolution A.960(23).

• Assessment of pilot transfer arrangements, including the use of pilot ladders, pilot boats, and helicopters. This will incorporate relevant international standards such as ISO799 parts 1, 2, and 3 concerning pilot ladders.

• Detailed procedures for the safe use of pilot ladders, conduct on pilot boats, and specific considerations for helicopter transfers.

• Guidance on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including risk assessment, and the use of helmets, protection against drowning, and appropriate clothing for various weather conditions. It will also cover the compatibility and any necessary modifications to PPE.

• Emergency preparedness and response during pilot transfer operations, addressing medical emergencies, falls from height, man-overboard (MOB) situations, and procedures for serious casualties. This will also include liaison with emergency services and post-incident response.

• The importance of incident reporting and fostering a learning culture within pilotage organisations.

Module 10: Legal and Regulatory Framework of Marine Pilotage

• An overview of the legal history of pilotage and relevant legal concepts, particularly English civil and criminal law.

• Detailed examination of the UK Pilotage Act 1987 and subsequent amendments, including the role of Competent Harbour Authorities (CHAs) and Pilotage Directions.

• The process and requirements for Pilotage Exemption Certificates (PECs), including eligibility and the obligations of the Master.

• Consideration of international law as it applies to shipping and pilotage, including the role of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and relevant resolutions such as A960 concerning pilot training and operational procedures.

• The legal aspects of pilot qualifications and liabilities.

• An understanding of harbour authorities' statutory and non-statutory duties, including the obligation to conserve and facilitate the safe use of the harbour.

Module 11: Advanced Ship Handling and Bridge Resource Management for Marine Pilots

• Advanced ship handling techniques, including controlling speed while maintaining steerage, understanding the concept of Balancing Rudder Angle (BRA) and Rudder Giveaway (RG) Point, and managing directional stability.

• Execution of large unaided alterations of course, particularly in restricted sea room, and considerations for pilotage in restricted visibility.

• Principles of passage planning from a pilot's perspective, including route planning, considering navigational hazards, and options for speed reduction.

• In-depth exploration of Bridge Resource Management (BRM) and Bridge Team Management (BTM) from the pilot's role as the manager of the port team within the harbour environment. This will emphasise the importance of effective communication skills and the Master/pilot exchange.

• Understanding the manoeuvring characteristics of different vessel types and the impact of environmental factors such as wind, tide, and interaction.

Module 12: Technology and Modern Practices in Marine Pilotage Operations

• The use of Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) in marine traffic regulation and the importance of VTS-user interactions. This will also touch upon training and certification of VTS personnel.

• The application of electronic navigation systems such as ECDIS, GPS, and DGPS in pilotage and the associated human factors considerations.

• The role of marine simulation in pilot training, including bridge simulators and manned-model facilities, for developing ship handling skills, BRM, and emergency procedures.

• Concepts of risk assessment and marine safety management systems in pilotage operations.

• The importance of continuous professional development (CPD) for pilots and the various methods for maintaining and updating their knowledge and skills.

• An overview of different types of harbour tugs, their design, operation, and manoeuvring capabilities, and the principles of manoeuvring with tugs.

This syllabus is designed to provide a robust foundation for aspiring marine pilots, equipping them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and professional attributes to ensure the safety and efficiency of navigation within pilotage districts. The emphasis throughout is on practical application, continuous learning, and adherence to the highest standards of safety and professionalism.

Module 2: Ship Handling Principles and Manoeuvring

• Ship Characteristics and Hydrodynamics: Understanding the fundamental principles of ship manoeuvring, including the pivot point concept. Knowledge of how hull design, propulsion systems (including azipods and thrusters), and rudder types affect a vessel's behaviour. The influence of squat, interaction between vessels, and anchoring techniques will be studied.

• Manoeuvring in Various Conditions: Developing practical skills in ship handling under different environmental conditions, including the effects of wind, tide, and weather. Techniques for controlling speed while maintaining steerage and the concept of balancing rudder angle will be taught. Understanding how to execute large alterations of course safely, even in restricted sea room, will be covered.

• Tug Operations: Understanding the capabilities and limitations of different operational tug types and their effective use in various ship handling manoeuvres, including in restricted visibility.

• Berthing and Unberthing Operations: Detailed study of techniques for approaching open and closed side berths. Emphasis will be placed on pre-planning and safe execution of berthing and unberthing manoeuvres. The importance of checking ahead and lateral speed using references will be explained.

Module 3: Navigation, Information Systems, and Vessel Traffic Services

• Nautical Knowledge and Publications: Comprehensive understanding of nautical charts (electronic and paper), tide tables, tidal stream atlases, and navigational warnings. The importance of maintaining an up-to-date Bridge Book will be emphasised.

• Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS): Thorough training in the operation, functionality, and limitations of ECDIS. Understanding its integration with other bridge equipment and the legal aspects surrounding its use will be covered.

• Radar and ARPA: Effective use of radar and Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) for navigation and collision avoidance, particularly in conditions of restricted visibility.

• Automatic Identification System (AIS): Understanding the principles, operation, and use of AIS for vessel tracking and information exchange.

• Portable Pilot Units (PPUs): Practical instruction on the operation and application of PPUs for enhanced situational awareness during pilotage.

• Vessel Traffic Services (VTS): Understanding the role, functions, and services provided by VTS, including information services, traffic organisation, and navigational assistance. Trainees will learn about VTS communication procedures, reporting requirements, and expected conduct within a VTS area. The importance of maintaining alertness and responding promptly to VTS communications will be stressed.

Module 4: Communication, Bridge Resource Management, and Human Factors

• Bridge Resource Management (BRM): Developing essential BRM skills, including effective communication, leadership, decision-making, workload management, and situational awareness. The pilot's role as the leader of the port team on the bridge will be emphasised.

• Master-Pilot Information Exchange: Comprehensive training in conducting clear and effective information exchange with the vessel's master, including passage planning, roles and responsibilities, and local conditions. Understanding potential barriers to effective communication will be addressed.

• Communication Skills: Enhancing verbal and non-verbal communication skills, including the use of Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP).

• Human Factors in Pilotage: Understanding the influence of human factors on maritime safety and pilot performance. Concepts such as error chains and strategies to mitigate human error will be introduced.

Module 5: Local Knowledge and Pilotage Area Expertise

• Pilotage District Familiarisation: In-depth study of the specific pilotage district, including channels, depths, navigational aids, critical landmarks, and potential hazards. Completing a required number of familiarisation passages across all parts of the district under various conditions (daylight, darkness, weather) will be mandatory.

• Berth and Terminal Specifics: Detailed knowledge of individual berths, terminal layouts, shore-side equipment, and any specific operating procedures.

• Local Environmental Conditions: Understanding prevalent local weather patterns, tidal characteristics, currents, and any specific environmental regulations relevant to the pilotage area.

• Local Regulations and Byelaws: Thorough understanding of local and national legislation relevant to pilotage, including reporting requirements for apparent anomalies.

Module 6: Specialised Pilotage Operations and Technologies

• Helicopter Pilot Transfers: Understanding the operational safety criteria and procedures for receiving a pilot by helicopter. This includes helicopter details, landing/hoist area requirements, safety precautions for the vessel, and communication protocols. Procedures for aborting operations and reporting deviations will also be covered.

• Deep-Sea Pilotage (if applicable): Specific training for pilotage in defined geographical areas, including knowledge of relevant regulations and the use of deep-sea pilot identity cards.

• Other Specialised Operations: Depending on the pilotage area, this may include training for river pilotage, canal pilotage, or escorting high-risk vessels.

Module 7: Training, Assessment, and Professional Development

• On-the-Job Training (OJT): Practical training through mentored passages with experienced pilots, progressively gaining experience and responsibility under supervision. Maintaining a detailed record of training and observed passages will be required.

• Simulator Training: Utilising bridge, manned-model, and VTS simulators to practice ship handling, emergency response, and bridge team management in a controlled environment. The objectives of simulator training and its application to real-world scenarios will be emphasised. Simulators can also assist with a port's risk assessment process.

• Observed Passage Reports and Assessment: Formal assessments involving practical ship-handling tasks conducted under the observation of experienced and qualified pilots. Observing pilots will assess performance against defined criteria, including planning, execution, communication, and response to problems. Ensuring impartiality and proper setup for simulator-based assessments is crucial.

• Written Assessments: Comprehensive assessments to evaluate theoretical knowledge and practical understanding across all modules.

• Reflective Practice: Encouraging trainees and qualified pilots to analyse their performance after each pilotage act to identify areas for improvement. Maintaining a dossier of observations and learnings is recommended.

• Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Requirements for ongoing training, revalidation of licences, and staying updated with industry developments, technological advancements, and changes in regulations.

Module 8: Professional Conduct, Legal Aspects, and Incident Reporting

• Professional Conduct and Ethics: Understanding the ethical responsibilities and standards of conduct expected of a marine pilot.

• Legal and Regulatory Framework: Awareness of national and international legal frameworks governing pilotage, including the powers and duties of pilots and pilotage authorities. Understanding potential liability issues associated with pilotage.

• Incident Reporting and Analysis: Understanding the procedures and importance of reporting accidents, near-misses, and apparent anomalies in a blameless and just culture to prevent recurrence. Pilots should be aware of anonymous reporting schemes. The role of follow-up action on reported anomalies will be highlighted. Investigations into marine casualties involving pilot performance should be prompt, complete, and objective, with results made publicly available.