Marine Pilot
Marine pilots are a unique group of seafarers who possess high levels of local area knowledge, ship handling skills and navigational experience. The pilot’s job is also considered as a highly respectable position as the flag will be flew to indicate his presence on the vessel. When on board vessel, the pilot’s role is to work with the bridge team to ensure a safe passage through the pilotage region/s is achieved.
As pilotage work is largely dependent on shipping demands and tidal conditions, work schedules are highly irregular with duties performed across all hours of the day and night throughout the shift system requirement. Responding to the duty-call, the pilot will jump on the Pilot Boat and proceed to his designated call either for vessel or any floating craft which require pilotage advice to approach, leave or shift within the harbour limits irregardless the prevailing of the sea and weather conditions.
It very vital for the pilot to be in good shape either mental or physical because the potential stress-related outcomes of irregular work patterns such as berthing / unberthing operations, deep draught and restriction condition are primarily associated with disrupted circadian rhythms, compromised sleep and social and domestic problems. Additionally, the long working hours, work underload, commercial pressures and on board and environmental conditions associated with marine pilotage work tends to further increase the stress experienced by pilots.
This in turn can lead to a sub-optimal psycho physiological state, which may manifest as increased fatigue, mood deterioration and performance decrements. Specifically, pilots appear to be at risk of exhibiting fatigue induced performance decrements when tasks require high levels of vigilance, decision making, judgment, memory and/or attention.
The pilot shall at all time use care and diligence to prevent or damage either to the boarding vessel, other vessels or property of whatsoever and not cause obstruction or interference with the harbour water and navigable channel.
As pilotage work is largely dependent on shipping demands and tidal conditions, work schedules are highly irregular with duties performed across all hours of the day and night throughout the shift system requirement. Responding to the duty-call, the pilot will jump on the Pilot Boat and proceed to his designated call either for vessel or any floating craft which require pilotage advice to approach, leave or shift within the harbour limits irregardless the prevailing of the sea and weather conditions.
It very vital for the pilot to be in good shape either mental or physical because the potential stress-related outcomes of irregular work patterns such as berthing / unberthing operations, deep draught and restriction condition are primarily associated with disrupted circadian rhythms, compromised sleep and social and domestic problems. Additionally, the long working hours, work underload, commercial pressures and on board and environmental conditions associated with marine pilotage work tends to further increase the stress experienced by pilots.
This in turn can lead to a sub-optimal psycho physiological state, which may manifest as increased fatigue, mood deterioration and performance decrements. Specifically, pilots appear to be at risk of exhibiting fatigue induced performance decrements when tasks require high levels of vigilance, decision making, judgment, memory and/or attention.
The pilot shall at all time use care and diligence to prevent or damage either to the boarding vessel, other vessels or property of whatsoever and not cause obstruction or interference with the harbour water and navigable channel.
Comments