Pilotage Incidents

The International Group’s Pilotage sub-committee recently collected data from all Group Clubs in relation to incidents costing in excess of US$100,000 occurring between 20 February 1999 and 20 February 2004 in which pilot error was a feature. Based on this data, it has produced a report, setting out the frequency and severity of “pilotage” incidents on a worldwide basis. The International Group report can be downloaded below.

The frequency of casualties has ranged between thirty-seven and sixty-six per annum, with an average annual cost per incident between US$470,000 and US$1,690,000. Although these figures are substantial they do not appear to identify any particular trend.

Appendix I of the Report gives details of the Master/Pilot Exchange (MPX) forms that should be completed prior to each pilotage. A Group circular of December 1998 encouraged shipowners to use these MPX forms and Members should be reminded of the importance of ensuring that such exchanges should take place.

Enclosed as Appendix II is IMO Resolution A960 outlining the recommendations for training and certification of Maritime Pilots. The international response to this Resolution has been varied and many governments ignore it entirely. Accordingly, the Group is of the view that it should liaise with interested industry bodies, such as the International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA), International Chamber of Shipping and International Shipping Federation, and governments to investigate the possibility of making A960 mandatory such that all pilots will be required to be trained, certified and audited to an international standard.

Article by Colin Williams (colin.williams@simsl.com).