When ocean going ships enter closer to ports they normally take onboard a pilot. The pilot has expert knowledge of the area where they will be directing the quartermaster, Officer of the watch and even the ship’s Captain on courses and speeds in various areas of a channel or seaway. The pilot may have never steered this type of ship – ever. The pilot may have never climbed aboard this type of ship – ever. With a few quick orders to the helmsman and adjustments to the speed at early … [Read more...]