Pilot / Ship inspection mission
On larger harbors, pilot boats pick up maritime pilots at the harbor office and drop them to arriving ships. This kind of task requires a skilled captain, since the arriving vessel is in full motion when the pilot leaves the pilot boat to climb up the ladder on the inbound vessel.
Only pilot/coast guard boats are capable of doing this kind of mission
Pilot / Inspection Task Procedure
- Request a pilot or inspection task at the local harbor via VHF radio.
- Pick up the pilot at the harbor office
a. Align the gangway between your boat and the dock.
b. Throw out the mooring lines and secure them tightly.
c. The pilot/inspector will begin boarding your vessel.
d. Wait until the boarding progress bar shows completion.
- Navigate to the assigned vessel to drop off the pilot
a. Approach the vessel from the 5 o’clock position behind the ship.
b. Position your fender to prevent excessive contact damage.
c. Move closer to the boarding ladder, but avoid hugging the hull to prevent the channel effect.
d. Adjust your speed and align your boarding stairs with the ship’s ladder.
e. Hold position until the pilot begins to climb.
f. Stay steady until the pilot has safely reached the deck.