ISPO 2016, Abu Dhabi

Balancing the Pilot’s Authority & Limitations

presented by

Capt. Lafi Al-Murtaji, Team Leader Port Ops. Kuwait Oil Company

www.kockw.com Oct 2016

THIS PAPER

We will talk about:

• The Pilot’s authority in taking independent decisions & his operational

limitations.

• Delicate balancing act that the Pilot manages for a successful job.

• Combined interests of vessels and Mina Al-Ahmadi Port.

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Pilot’s Presence on a Vessel

Common Knowledge of a Pilot’s position on a Vessel:

• Pilotage is mandatory in most of the international ports.

• Pilot is hired as a specialized Advisor to the Master.

• Master has the command of the vessel, Pilot has the con.

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Role of Port Authority

• Enforce regulations to promote safety and protection of

maritime environment.

• Assign anchorages, Traffic Separation Schemes, channels, Nav.

aids and Port Limits.

• Impose Pilotage, traffic control & support services.

• Deploy competent resources.

• Be a link between the vessel and the Port State.

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Pilot’s Authority & Limitations - 1

Pilot’s authority in taking independent decisions :

• All actions to promote safety and protection of maritime environment.

• Can delay or abort any operation, with proper justification. • Decides on suitable resources for specific operations. • Demand a Bridge Team with proper working relationship. • Rejects a vessel not meeting port requirements. • Can demand to be relieved, if fatigued.

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Pilot’s Authority & Limitations – 2

Pilot’s role limitations:

• Although he has highly specialized knowledge of the port, but the Master may over-ride him.

• May be pressurized to complete a dangerous job by the Port Authority.

• May be given inadequate resources, but he must complete the job.

• He may accept operational risks, as not easy to change employers.

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Balancing His Authority & Limitations

A pilot has a delicate role and needs to balance his authority & limitations for a smooth and successful job. The following 3 slides reflect the Pilot's balancing actions in different cases.

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Rejecting a non-complying vessel

The Pilot must make delicate decision to reject a vessel if he can justify that the port safety is affected. Examples:

• Master under influence of Alcohol. • Master is arrogant & non-cooperative, but not breaking any

rules. • Vessel’s crew found incompetent. • Some of the vessel’s equipment in not operational, but the

berthing can be done. • Visible condition is poor, but the vessel is approved by

Vetting / Port.

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Dispute between the Pilot and Master or Tug-Master

Pilot is required to use his skills to overcome a dispute, to protect the safety of the Port & Marine Environment.

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Pilot has the con, but not the command :

1. Must convince the Master for any dis-

agreeable action.

2. If the Master over-rides Pilot’s orders,

consult with the Harbour Master and take

appropriate action for port’s safety.

3. During low visibility or bad weather

conditions, must assure the Master that the

job can be done.

Disputes with the Tug Master :

1. The Pilot’s decision over-rides the Tug-

Master, because he has the overall

responsibility.

2. Can order for a replacement tug at any time,

if he feels safety of operation is in danger.

3. Must abort the operation, if the dispute has

happened at a critical time.

Aborting Operation:

During an operation, the Pilot is required to make a balanced choice and decide which is safer – to continue or abort:

• Challenging weather conditions. • Vessel related reasons where safety of the operation is

compromised. • Shore resources are inadequate. • Unexpected close-quarter situation developed. • A dispute with the Master or the Tug-Master is leading to

unsafe situation.

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The Pilot is protected by law. However subject to his organization’s code of conduct.

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Protection available to the Pilot :

1. Vessel owner can sue the Port but not the

Pilot.

2. Pilots are covered under Company’s

Insurance.

3. Vessel or Insurance will pay damage costs.

4. Vessel pays pollution fines due to an

accident, not the Pilot.

Risks to the Pilot :

1. Subject to investigation for every incident.

2. Blamed by Company, if found at fault.

3. May loose his job.

Pilotage accident Protection available to the Pilot & risk to his job

Positive features

• We have well defined Port Operations Manual, Codes & Guidelines.

• An annual “Pilot Performance Audit” system for all pilots is implemented.

• Competency based training system, including Technical and Simulator refreshers for all Pilots.

• Bi-annual medical test.

• Minimum requirement for Pilots is Master (FG) Cert.

• Port Authority e-mail available for direct correspondence.

• “Master’s Feedback Form” available as a confidential document to indicate vessel’s level of satisfaction.

• “Customer Satisfaction Survey” from terminals and stake-holders available.

Difficulties faced

• Facing difficulties in operations due to continued shortage of Pilots.

• Kuwait Maritime Administration has not established resources to grant CoC, resulting in slow Kuwaitization.

• Endeavoring to deliver best turn-around time, in spite of multiple parities involvement.

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Balancing between interests of visiting vessels & Mina Al-Ahmadi Port

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End Thank you

Oct 2016