Maritime pilot

For naval aircraft pilots, see Naval aviation.
For broader coverage of this topic, see Piloting.
"Boat pilot" redirects here. For boats named Pilot, see Pilot (disambiguation). Not to be confused with pilot boat.
A Nigerian pilot assists a U.S. Navy ship into the harbor at Lagos using nautical charts
Grandes Eaux, pilot vessels[1] Anse-aux-Basques, Les Escoumins, maritime estuary of St. Lawrence, Canada

A maritime pilot, marine pilot, harbor pilot, port pilot, ship pilot, or simply pilot, is a mariner who has specific knowledge of an often dangerous or congested waterway, such as harbors or river mouths. Maritime pilots know local details such as depth, currents, and hazards. They board and temporarily join the crew to safely guide the ship's passage, so they must also have expertise in handling ships of all types and sizes. Obtaining the title "maritime pilot" requires being licensed or authorised by a recognised pilotage authority.

  1. ^ "Corporation of Pilots of the Lower St. Lawrence". Retrieved 25 April 2024. The expert training, precise knowledge and practical experience required of pilots are therefore indispensable for navigating this river.