Pilotage Hub
From first authorisation to handling the biggest ships in the tightest ports – pilotage, passage planning,
tugs, UKC, BRM and law in one structured space. Use the left-hand
Pilotage menu to move between topics without leaving the section.
What are you working on as a pilot?
🎓 Becoming a pilot
Entry routes, training phases, assessments and what the first years in pilotage really look like.
⚓ Difficult port or river transit
Strong tide, crosswinds, narrow channels or large ship in a tight berth? Start with planning and UKC.
📡 Tools, PPUs & BRM
PPU setup, ECDIS overlays, AIS, VTS, communications and how to make BRM work with pilots on board.
Everything a pilot needs, mapped by topic and phase
B) Ports, rivers & passage planning
Local knowledge, tides and currents, UKC and traffic schemes – the framework that supports every
safe pilotage act, from the pilot station to the berth and back.
Planning packs, tug plans and UKC / wind calculators
🗺 Port entry & river planning packs
Template planning sheets, tide and current notes, berthing options and tug plans.
🧮 UKC, wind & tug decision aids
Simple UKC estimates, windage checks, tug numbers and power guidelines for different ports.
Fresh articles, case studies and port stories
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Pilot ladder non-compliant or unsafe on arrival
Safety
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UKC tighter than expected after updated soundings
Hydrography
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Crosswind or current making approach unstable
Shiphandling
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Weak BRM – unclear roles between pilot and bridge team
BRM
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Pilot fatigue risk rising due to short rest and busy tide
Fatigue
Becoming a pilot, progressing and staying sharp
🧭 Routes into pilotage
Typical sea-time, certificates, recruitment processes and what selection boards look for.
🎓 Training, mentoring & progression
From trainee pilot to senior pilot – check rides, simulations, peer review and continuous learning.
Most saved by pilots this week
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River transit crib sheet – what to ask, what to brief, what to draw
Simple prompts and sketches that help keep everyone mentally aligned before sailing.
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Tug plan template for large container ship berthings
Practical layout for tug numbers, positions, orders and fallback options.
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Debrief form for near-miss and learning-focused discussions
Non-blaming structure for capturing lessons from tricky approaches and surprises.
Pilot boat approaching in heavy weather – where transfer safety, timing and experience all meet.
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PilotagePilot 27 boarded inbound container ship off River approach station.
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NoticeCrosswind limits on Berth 4 updated – new guidance for large beam ships.
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Top member@HarbourPilot shared annotated tracks from recent deep-draught river transit.
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Thank youThanks to @PilotTrainer and @VTSWatch for BRM and VTS case studies.