200860 Unprofessional river pilot

The river pilot appeared on the bridge dressed as if straight from the beach and took over his duties. The only conversation he had with me was to inform me of three outbound vessels which we would be meeting. He then settled himself in the pilot's chair and began a long personal conversation on his cell phone, totally unrelated to the job in hand, while at the same time issuing orders to the helmsman. Since the helmsman's first language was not English, he had to pay extremely close attention to avoid missing any instruction. As the river passage progressed, the pilot's attention transferred from his cell phone to a hand-held device which he used to listen to music. Once the docking pilot boarded, the river pilot lay down on the wheelhouse couch with his music still playing.

During the passage, with pilot / master relations in mind, I refrained from mentioning my misgivings, preferring to wait until the vessel was safely moored alongside, while keeping a careful watch on proceedings. After the vessel was secured, I asked the river pilot if he would take a word of advice and began to tell him of my observations. Unfortunately, during this discussion the river pilot turned his back and walked off to complete his pilotage slip.

I have to say that I found his attitude and manner very unprofessional, disrespectful not only to myself but to my officers, who are always in uniform during coastal operations, and certainly not in keeping with usual high standards of pilots' associations worldwide. I feel obliged to submit this report in order that future mishaps may be avoided.

Editor's note: In cases such as this, the ship's bridge team must use their professionalism, tact and diplomacy to involve the pilot in the safe and efficient conduct of the passage. While the reporting master's concern is justified, veteran pilots can also provide many instances where the ship's master and officers have been found wanting in attitude, skills and knowledge. In bridge simulator exercises conducted by shore-based training institutes, a previously briefed 'outsider' playing the role of an 'aggressive' pilot recreates this unnerving but familiar situation with realism and provides the participants a good learning opportunity in bridge and 'conflict' management. Additionally, if professional associations actively circulate reports and case studies like these among both serving mariners and pilots, everyone will benefit.