Media - Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Marine Pilot do?
A Marine Pilot is a highly skilled professional who conducts ships safely into and out of ports and through particularly sensitive sea areas such as the Great Barrier Reef. They use expert ship handling and navigation skills, in-depth knowledge of the local port and extensive emergency contingency training to ensure the vessel, its crew, the environment, port infrastructure and local community are protected from harm.
All international ports and declared ports in Australia legislate compulsory pilotage for visiting ships.
The pilot works closely with the ship’s Captain, providing essential skills and information that make the port visit smoother for everyone, including the port operator. The role has expanded over time from that of a traditional “provider of local knowledge” to that of today’s “manager of a high-risk operation”. The Marine Pilot acts as the onboard risk manager, engaged by the port, taking full conduct of the navigation and manoeuvring to ensure the safe and efficient movement of ships and cargo.
The pilot is usually the first, and often the only, person from shore that the Captain will meet onboard.
How do you become a Marine Pilot?
Traditionally, a Marine Pilot begins their career at sea as a Deck Officer on cargo ships, progressing through the ranks from junior officer (3rd Mate) to 2nd Mate, Chief Mate, and ultimately Captain before taking the final step in their career to become a Marine Pilot. This process is long and takes many years from starting as a Deck Officer to progress to Marine Pilot.
- To serve as 3rd or 2nd Mate, you need an Officer of the Watch (OOW) Certificate of competency requiring a set amount of sea time and successful completion of a formal government exam.
- To become a Chief Mate, you must gain additional sea time and pass another exam for the Chief Mate’s CoC.
- To sail as Captain, you need a Master’s Unlimited CoC, which also requires further sea time and exams.
Some ports require candidates to have served as Captain for a specific period before applying to become a pilot. However, most ports will consider applicants with a Master’s CoC.
Alternative pathways are emerging and, ultimately, the State authority determines the prerequisites for pilot applicants.
What qualifications or skills do Marine Pilots need?
Traditionally, Marine Pilots are required to hold a Master’s Unlimited Certificate of Competency allowing them to be in command of any size vessel, anywhere in the world. In addition to formal qualifications and extensive seagoing experience, pilots need strong spatial awareness, abstract reasoning skills, excellent communication abilities, and a good level of physical fitness.
Skills:
- Composure under pressure
- Ability to make critical decisions in a timely manner
- Be able to step back and look at the bigger picture (birds eye view)
- Clear communication skills – English is often a second language for many ship’s crews, so it is imperative that Pilots can communicate effectively.
To be able to manage risk effectively pilots use;
- High level technical skills
- Operational knowledge & experience
- Emergency contingency training
How many Marine Pilots are there in Australia?
There are approximately 400 Marine Pilots working across Australian ports and the Great Barrier Reef.
Do all vessels require Marine Pilots?
Whether a vessel requires a pilot depends on local regulations. For example, in New South Wales, all commercial vessels over 35 metres in length must use a Marine Pilot for entry, departure, or movements within ports. In the Great Barrier Reef, it is ships over 70 meters in length.
Generally, pilotage is required for vessels above a certain size or those carrying dangerous cargoes including oil and chemicals. Some exemptions may apply, for example, if a Captain regularly visits the same port and has passed the required local examinations and trip criteria.
How do Marine Pilots board ships?
Marine Pilots typically board ships using either an approved pilot ladder or via helicopter, depending on the vessel type and port resources.
A pilot ladder is a rope ladder (with strict design and manufacturing standards) that is rigged over the ship’s side. The pilot climbs the ladder, which must have its top no more than 9 metres above the water. If this isn’t possible, a combination ladder is rigged which includes both a pilot ladder and an accommodation ladder (metal stairs lowered down the ship’s side).
Transfers by pilot ladder usually occur while the ship is underway, moving at about 8 knots. The pilot boat approaches on the ship’s sheltered side, and the pilot climbs the ladder after confirming it’s secure. No fall prevention lanyards are used. The process is reversed on departure. Pilots wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to climb the ladder, which includes lifejacket, helmet, gloves and hard toe shoes or boots.
A helicopter transfer requires the ship to have a suitable landing area with at least 22 metres clearance and sufficient strength to handle the helicopter’s load. Most bulk cargo ships can accommodate a helicopter, whereas tankers, container ships, or vessels with deck cranes often cannot. The crew prepares firefighting and medical equipment before the helicopter’s arrival, and the pilot or helicopter crew provides instructions in advance.
Who is ultimately responsible for pilotage Australia?
Each Australian state regulates pilotage in its ports under federal and state laws. Rules and responsibilities vary between states and ports.
The Commonwealth government regulates pilotage in the Great Barrier Reef.
Are Marine Pilots employed by government, private companies, or self-employed?
Most Australian Marine Pilots are employed by state government authorities, though some work for private providers. For example, pilots in Brisbane, Melbourne, Fremantle, and Dampier are privately employed. While most ports have a single pilotage provider, some ports have multiple providers. Port Hedland is currently moving to a multi-provider model with both government and private pilots.
These differences reflect each state’s approach to pilotage, balancing financial viability and the need to provide essential services, even in quieter ports where pilotage may not be commercially profitable.
Is the role of a Marine Pilot physically dangerous?
The role can be physically demanding and carries risks, especially during boarding operations. Pilots often climb ladders in rough seas and bad weather, with ships rolling side to side as they board. Once on deck, they may have to climb multiple flights of stairs to reach the bridge.
Transfers by pilot ladder pose the greatest risk of accidents. Helicopter transfers require pilots to complete Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) in case of a water ditching. Gangways can also present hazards, and ships are often poorly lit with trip or head-strike risks, all made more challenging by working around the clock, at any hour.
Vigilance is always needed when working as a Pilot as piloting is a 24 hrs/7 day a week job. This means that pilots can work at any time of the day or night in varying weather conditions. Because pilots are often working against their natural circadian rhythm, Pilotage Service Providers implement fatigue risk management systems to try to minimise the fatigue felt by pilots whilst working. It is also important that Pilots manage their own fatigue levels by ensuring they get enough sleep when on roster.
If you have any further questions, or wish to speak to an AMPI representative, please contact us on admin@ampi.org.au
