Pilot occupation
The pilot advises the ship's master during approach, docking, departure, or towing manoeuvres. It is mandatory on certain ships depending on the length, tonnage and type of cargo carried. However, the captain remains the only master on board and follows the pilot's instructions. The latter, who has local knowledge, can therefore help the commander in his approach. On the pilot's recommendation, a tug can also assist the captain. They are the only port operators who can board the ship.
According to article L5341-1 of the Transport Code "Pilotage consists in the assistance given to the master, by personnel commissioned by the State, for the conduct of ships into and out of ports, ports, harbours and maritime waters of estuaries, rivers and canals mentioned in Article L5000-1"
The pilot is inseparable from his boat, the"pilot" or the pilot boat which has a flat, open deck, without lines. He can then sail around the boat to join another boat. In the case of a freighter, the latter throws a ladder so that the pilot can climb on board (as in the video below). We will also note the performance of the pilot (the one at the controls) who must be able to get as close as possible to the cargo to facilitate the pilot's entry on board. It can also be transported on board by helicopter.
For information, in 2016, 101,000 pilotage operations were carried out, says the French Maritime Pilots Federation.
How to become a pilot?
The pilot is recruited by competition organised by the pilot stations and must be at least 24 and maximum 35 years old and hold a command certificate of the highest level. But this is not all, since the pilot must also have sailed for 72 months as an officer, at least four of which must have been on deck service aboard State vessels, commercial vessels armed on long voyages or cabotage, or vessels armed for deep-sea fishing or offshore fishing.
Where to practice the profession of pilot?
In France, there are 30 pilot stations - 22 in mainland France and 5 in the French overseas departments, 3 in the overseas countries and local authorities and a cooperative of offshore pilots - with a total of 334 pilots. The pilot is attached to a port and will remain so until the end of his career.
