The job of a pilot

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The pilots at the Le Havre-Fécamp station providing 24h on 24, 365 days a year, in almost all weather conditions, local knowledge and pilotage advice services.

The pilot’s role is to assist the master by providing local expertise and timely advice as the vessel passes through a port area.

In confined waters, the bridge workload increases, time and margins for error are reduced, port activity and traffic are intense, and the consequences of an incident or error of judgement are considerable.

Local, highly specialised expertise in manoeuvring ships as they approach the port for which they are trained is essential.

Pilots are recruited from among Merchant Navy officers holding a Command Certificate of the highest level and having sailed for at least 72 months in the merchant navy or on government ships, including 48 months in the navigation and watchkeeping service on ships used for long-distance shipping, coastal navigation, deep-sea fishing or offshore fishing.

You must be under 35 years of age and pass a rigorous medical examination, which includes an assessment of your visual acuity and physical fitness.

Today, all Le Havre pilots hold the title of Captain 1st Class of Maritime Navigation.

Local expertise at the service of maritime safety

Pilots have a comprehensive understanding of local regulations and the specific characteristics of the port area for which they are commissioned. Through daily practice, pilots develop specific qualities and techniques for manoeuvring ships in narrow waters and restricted areas surrounded by port facilities.

They serve ships day and night, through thick fog or in strong winds, whatever the weather conditions, thus avoiding delays and ensuring the smooth flow of traffic.

They coordinate with the port authorities, Vessel Traffic Services, tugs, boatage and other vessels.

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A mission of general interest

In addition, maritime pilots, who are the only port personnel allowed to board ships in transit, are responsible for reporting to the State any environmental, safety or security risks that a ship may present in the port of call. This responsibility, which is in the public interest, is based on total objectivity in their checks, the results of which are sent to the Ship Safety Centres of European countries and entered into databases.

Le Havre-Fécamp’s pilots draw on solid experience acquired in the field, in-depth knowledge of the specific local features of their area, and demanding ongoing training. These assets give them the composure, skill and judgement they need to excel in their profession. What’s more, the rapid development of maritime technologies requires an ever-higher level of knowledge. Finally, modern pilots also take on entrepreneurial responsibilities by managing and administering their pilot station, in order to offer an efficient service tailored to the needs of shipowners.

All pilots who pass the competitive examination must complete a period of understudy work. They only become full tonnage pilots once they have completed their training course, which lasts 6 years in Le Havre. During this period, they pilot increasingly larger ships in successive stages. Passage through each stage is subject to validation of aptitude by a commission made up of more senior pilots.

The pilot is, both traditionally and legally, the captain’s adviser. However, the captain retains control of his vessel, as well as all decision-making powers, for the duration of the pilotage operation.

Articles L5341-11 à L5341-18 of the French Transport Code govern his civil liability towards third parties. Although marine pilots operate under the civil liability of the captain, they may be subject to disciplinary sanctions and be held criminally liable.
disciplinary sanctions and be held criminally liable.

Extract from the book ‘Les pilotes maritimes français – Cent ans de métier’ by Marie Françoise Pochulu – Edition des Falaises.