Pilots on Remote Control

Some ports consider remote pilotage to be an effective measure to prevent the spread of infection. Vessels travel the world and are seen by some as a potential way of spreading the virus.

Remote pilotage risks

The simplest way to reduce the risk is to avoid it. However, if remote pilotage is mandatory, the operation will require a full and in-depth review and risk assessment. If possible, use of remote pilotage should be restricted to passages to an anchorage from the pilot station and should not be used for berthing the vessel. To carry out a risk assessment, the Master may require the input of the local port authority, perhaps through the local agent or by enlisting the help of a Club correspondent.

Getting the feeling: Whilst new technology has changed the way the industry operates, pilots will still use their instincts built up through experience for how a ship “feels”. Even with the most advanced technology, a pilot cannot gain a feeling for the vessel characteristics from a remote position.

Knowledge transfer: A pilot conveys local knowledge quickly and efficiently. Even if the Master spends many days studying the chart, they are unlikely to be able to match the pilot’s local knowledge. Under remote pilotage, there is a risk that the efficient transfer of information is compromised. Therefore, when considering the use of remote pilotage services, think about the Master’s existing knowledge and experience of the port.

Clear communications: Communicating only by radio is made more difficult by language barriers, accents and misinterpretation. It is made more complicated when needing to communicate with other parties involved in the manoeuvring such as tugs, mooring boats or linesmen. Therefore, establish a communications protocol prior to commencing pilotage and try to ensure that all remote communications are clear, concise and thoroughly tested prior to use. Always have a back-up means of communication.

Master-pilot exchange (MPX): This exchange may take more time to ensure that the correct information has been received and understood.

Passage planning: Ensure the plan has all the required detail. Seek advice from the pilotage authorities for the port, such as tidal height, under-keel clearance and local navigations warnings in place. The proximity of local navigational hazards in relation to the available depth and width of water should be reviewed and considered in the risk assessment. Will manoeuvring in close confines amongst multiple berths be required? What are the expected port movements?

Situational awareness: The decisions made by the bridge team, which of course includes the pilot, are influenced by the events and communications. This situational awareness is vital in the event of an emergency or when needing to take quick and effective action. The pilot’s situational awareness may very well become diluted if they are not physically present on board. The pilot’s levels of situational awareness may also depend on whether they are on board a tug, pilot boat or ashore.

Suggesting alternatives

The primary alternative to remote pilotage is of course conventional pilotage with a pilot on board, but whilst ensuring that there is a safe environment to protect everyone from the risk of infection.

Measures include:

• Practising social distancing
• Dedicated area on the bridge for the pilot – mark this area out so that crew do not cross into it
• Dedicated equipment for the pilot such as a VHF, radar and ECDIS
• Disinfection of equipment before and after use and any contact surfaces that the pilot may encounter
• Avoid passing documents
• Where possible, conduct meetings on the bridge wings as the infection is less able to spread outdoors.
• Where close contact is unavoidable, use the correct PPE such as face masks
• Take care to minimise contact when assisting the pilot with boarding and disembarkation

Find out more by reading our earlier article ‘What is Force Majeure?’ here.