Responsibilities
The Master is responsible for his Ship. The Pilot is on board in an advisory capacity, and acts as his advisor. The Master will normally accept the decisions of the pilot, who is well versed with the local conditions. This will not prevent the Master from advising the pilot if the situation demands it. In exceptional cases, where the Master is of the opinion that the pilot’s actions may endanger or damage his ship, he may interfere and take over the control of the ship from the pilot.
Compulsory and optional pilotage
Pilotage legislation varies from place to place. In almost all ports of the world, pilotage is compulsory. There are however few locations where pilotage is optional. It is an offence to navigate without a pilot in a compulsory pilotage area.
Bridge Team Management while under pilotage
The Bridge Team, comprising the officers and crew on the Bridge, under the control of the Master, while the ship is under pilotage, continues to monitor the ships position at all times, and all activities that are taking place, so that any possible error in the judgement of the pilot, does not jeopardise the safety of the ship.
Legal implications if an incident occurs when under pilotage
In the event of an adverse incident, the Shipowner remains vicariously liable due to the incompetence or neglect of the pilot, whether the pilotage is compulsory or optional. The Master remains in command at all times and he cannot abrogate responsibility for the safety of the ship.