What is pilotage?

What is pilotage?

• A. Navigation of a vessel through restricted waters or harbor areas with the assistance of a local pilot
• B. Navigation by celestial bodies
• C. Sailing in open sea
• D. Engine maintenance

Answer: (A)

Pilotage means navigating a vessel through restricted waters or harbor approaches with the help of a local pilot who knows the channels, shoals, tides, and traffic. A pilot boards at a designated point and takes over the ship’s navigation for that portion, guiding the vessel safely to or from the harbor. This is different from navigating by celestial bodies, which is used in open-water navigation away from confined harbors, and from general open-sea sailing or engine maintenance. In pilotage, the local pilot provides the specialized knowledge needed to move safely through restricted waters.

Pilotage means navigating a vessel through restricted waters or harbor approaches with the help of a local pilot who knows the channels, shoals, tides, and traffic. A pilot boards at a designated point and takes over the ship’s navigation for that portion, guiding the vessel safely to or from the harbor. This is different from navigating by celestial bodies, which is used in open-water navigation away from confined harbors, and from general open-sea sailing or engine maintenance. In pilotage, the local pilot provides the specialized knowledge needed to move safely through restricted waters.