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THE UNITED KINGDOM MARITIME PILOTS’ ASSOCIATION (UKMPA)
The U.K.P.A. was founded in Bristol by Commander George Cawley in 1884. Pilots from 18 Districts attended its Inaugural Conference, its objective was to influence the development of Pilotage and Associated Regulations, including Acts of Parliament, and to help those members around the country who found themselves in difficulty .
The U.K.P.A. was involved with the development of all the Pilotage Acts from 1889 to 1987 and the Merchant Shipping Act of 1894. Other examples of matters addressed by the U.K.P.A. include a resolution at the 1934 Conference “that a Pilots’ Benefit Fund be established in every port”.
In 1942 the pilots from 5 Districts decided to leave the U.K.P.A. and joined the T&G, forming the Marine Pilots’ Branch (M.P.B.)
In 1963 the U.K.P.A. participated in the discussions which led to the formation of the European Maritime Pilots Association (E.M.P.A.), formally joining the new organisation in 1964.
In 1985 the U.K.P.A. was faced with several problems, not least that (shared with the M.P.B.) of impending radical legislation and the UKPA and MPB joined forces to become the U.K.P.A.(M), a section of the Transport & General Workers’ Union.
In?? 2000,?? Conference voted to rename the Association the United Kingdom Maritime Pilots??? Association (UKMPA). The UKMPA retains the same day to day autonomy as had been the case with the two previous organisations, but under the umbrella of the T&G rules.
The UKMPA has its own office in Transport House, London and a full-time Union Officer, currently Mr. G. Stevenson, is the UKMPA National Secretary. The UKMPA holds an annual delegate conference where all Districts can be represented. There is a national Section Committee consisting of a Chairman, Vice-chairman, and six members (all are serving pilots), one of whom is elected as Treasurer/Secretary. Section Committee elections are held annually. The UKMPA Technical & Training Sub-Committee is a sub-committee of the UKMPA Section Committee and deals with all aspects of pilotage, e.g. Protective Clothing, Boarding/Landing equipment, Health & Safety and training etc. There is regular communication, via circulars, between the Section Committee and each Pilotage District’s locally elected District Secretary. The District Secretary is responsible for the dissemination of information to members. The Pilot magazine is published quarterly and is the official record of the UKMPA. After more than 100 years of looking after the interests of Marine Pilots, the UKMPA, which represents 98% of U.K. pilots, looks forward with confidence to the next 100 years.
Current President: Lord Tony Berkeley Curent Chairman: Joe Wilson (Tees pilot)
The UKMPA is affiliated to the:
European Maritime Pilots’ Assiation (EMPA)
International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA)
To visit the websites please click on the logos on the top right of this page
The U.K.M.P.A. is also affiliated to the I.T.F. (International Transport Workers’ Federation, Seafarers Section)??www.itfglobal.org/index.cfm with access to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) where matters such as VTS, standards of ship manoeuvrability, electronic charting, passenger ship safety, etc., are discussed at an international level.
The Editor
JOHN CLANDILLON-BAKER
I am a Master Mariner and started my career as a deck cadet with Ellerman Lines in 1969. Having obtained my Master???s Class 1 certificate in 1981 I left Ellerman City Liners to work in Nigeria for Ocean Inchcape (Nigeria) Ltd as supply vessel / tug master. In 1983, still with OIL (Nigeria) I became a pilot/ loading Master at the Bonny offshore oil terminal, handling VLCC???s at the Single Buoy Mooring (SBM) facility off the Nigerian coast. In 1987 I returned to the UK and worked ashore for an import and distribution company and during this time also skippered the owner’s yacht. In 1989 I became a Pilot with the Port of London Authority where I am still employed full time as a Class 1 senior pilot, handling all classes of vessel from VLCC???s to small coasters in the Thames Estuary and the river berths to seaward of Crayford Ness. I have been the volunteer editor of the magazine since 1996. The magazine is published quarterly.
The articles and features have all either been written by me or by volunteer contributors. Whilst they are made freely available for genuine research please contact me for permission if you wish to reproduce any of the articles or parts of articles in a journal or research paper. I normally just require an acknowledgement credit to the author and the magazine.
A career in pilotage
Who or what is a pilot?
The following definition was established by the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 which states that:
“Pilot means any person not belonging to a ship who has the conduct thereof.”
What does a pilot do?
Basically the pilot is a seafarer who has detailed knowledge of a port approach or dangerous navigational area and who uses that knowledge to ensure the safe passage of a vessel through the pilotage district.
What is the difference between a Captain and a pilot?
The Captain (Master) always has command of the ship and thus has ultimate responsibility for the safety of the ship, its cargo and crew. The pilot has the conduct of the ship in the pilotage district and upon boarding a vessel provides a passage plan for the transit and directs the course and speed of the vessel to execute the passage plan.
Locations:
These are worldwide and the majority of pilots work within a specific port. There are however non-specific port areas where pilots work offshore. These areas tend to be either of environmental importance, (Great Barrier Reef) or areas of high navigational dangers (English Channel and North Sea) and are voluntary rather than compulsory areas.
Types of employment
Every port is responsible for deciding which ships are to be subject to compulsory pilotage. Pilots fall into several categories but the following represent the main groups:
?? Directly employed by the port
?? Self employed and contracted to provide the pilotage service to a port
?? State employees.
Labour profile & Qualifications
Pilots are generally professional seafarers who have served on ships in the capacity as a deck officer. The majority of pilots serving the major ports of the world hold a deep sea Master’s qualification and have served as Captain on a merchant ship. There are exceptions to this with some districts recruiting and training pilots from the local community. An example of this is the USA where in many major ports pilotage is a family business. In the smaller ports pilots will often be recruited from those familiar with the local waters, and in many such ports it is not unusual for the pilot also to be the harbour master. Reflecting this it can be said that entry qualifications for pilots will range from a general maritime qualification to a full Master’s certificate. It is probable that an international standard for pilots and a specific pilotage qualification will be introduced in the next few years which will establish a structured career path into pilotage.
Employment prospects
Excellent! In most countries the majority of pilots will be retiring in the next 15 years or so. There is currently a world shortage of qualified junior officers and this will inevitably lead to a serious shortage of pilots in the next 10 years. Salaries obviously vary enormously but as a general guide the salary is equivalent to the sea going salary obtainable with the qualification held.
Outline of a pilot’s duties
The pilot’s main role is handling ships on and off the port wharfs and facilities and ensuring the safe transit of shipping in and out of port during what is recognised as the high risk element of a ship’s passage. The priority is the safety of the ship, the environment and the port facilities. Ship handling is obviously the prime skill required of a pilot but a competent pilot also needs to be able to monitor all the elements which may affect the passage and to adapt the passage plan accordingly. A high professional attitude is required in order to gain the confidence of the Master and to integrate into the ships bridge team. The responsibilities involved in handling vessels, sometimes with high risk cargoes or poor manoeuvrability and perhaps communications difficulties, in environmentally sensitive areas can induce high stress levels and the ability to keep a clear head and remain calm in moments of high tension is a desirable quality!
Pilotage is a 24-hour operation all year round and pilots normally work on rostered shifts. Since ships arrive off ports in a random manner the workload can lead to irregular sleep patterns although most seafarers used to on board watch-keeping will have no problem adapting to this.
Training
Again this varies widely and is dependent upon the size and complexity of the district. In the major ports training lasts from 4 - 6 months and is generally practical with trainees accompanying qualified pilots on all the different classes of ships using the port. On completion of this initial training the candidate will be examined and granted an “Authorisation” or “Licence” to pilot. The new pilot will normally be restricted to small vessels and will progress to the largest ships over a period of around four years with annual assessments between grades.
The future?
Enhanced navigation systems capable of interacting with a port’s VTS will probably result in the reduction of the number of vessels subject to compulsory pilotage in port approaches. However, I personally feel that due to the complexities involved in ship manoeuvring and close quarters interaction with other shipping in confined port areas, pilots will remain a cost effective addition to the bridge team of a ship for the foreseeable future.
Further information:
United Kingdom Maritime Pilots’ Association (UKMPA): www.ukmpa.org
International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA): www.impahq.org
European Maritime Pilots’ Association (EMPA): www.empa-pilots.org
PORTS: www.iaphworldports.org
VTS: www.worldvtsguide.org
Contents:
- Martin Lee: The Last “Grand Mat” of the Amicale Internationale des Captianes au Long-Cours Cap Horniers (AICH)
- MV Karen Danielsen: VTS failure?
- AICH UK branch history: Martin Lee
- MV Fortius: Accident report
- Book Review: Mariner’s Launch by Ray Solley
- Obituary: James (Jim) Callaghan,
Contents
- 117th UKMPA conference
- 11 days adrift in an open lifeboat: True story by Neil MacNeil
- EU Education Certification Training & Standards (ECTS) for Maritime Pilots project
- Obituaries: Gianfranco Gasperini, Joseph Duhig, Neil MacNeil
Contents
- Pilotage History: Part 2
- MV Rockness Capsize
- IMO Resolution A960
- Master / Pilot Relationship: MV Astor
- Tide program review: Neptune Tide
- Liverpool Pilotage: WW2 update
- Obituaries: Donald Twells, John Halton,
Contents
- Pilotage History Part 1
- TotalTide tidal program review
- London Pilots Pilot “Concorde”
- Liverpool Pilotage during World War 2
- Obituaries: Gerard Couch, Leslie Finch, Peter Holbrook,
- Liverpool Pilot Cutter: Charles Livingston erratum & update
Contents
- Integrated Bridge Systems
- AIS & VTS
- Immersion & Hypothermia
- Book Review: Marine Pilot by John Foot
- Loss of the Liverpool Pilot Cutter : Charles Livingston
- Obituaries: Eric Jones, John Burgess MBE, Peter Johnson, Michael Belsey, Frederick Tapping
Contents:
- 116th Conference 2003: Liverpool
- A visit to Poland
- PLA Bridge simulator
- AIS Update
- Liverpool veterans honoured & Battle of the Atalntic
- Obituaries: Eric Jones & John Stuart Burgess
Contents:
- Piloting the FPSO “Bonga” on the Tyne
- Nature of Pilotage: Michael Grey, Lloyd’s List
- Incident reports: Jody Millennium & Tai Ping
- High Lift Rudder: Becker or Lumley?
- Obituaries: D. Mackenzie, T A Hood
- Video Review: Snowbow’s “Great Liners” Vol 21: Ships to New Zealand
WEATHER
Met Office Shipping Forecast www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/marine/shipping_forecast.html
NOAA UK Buoy Wind Data: www.ndbc.noaa.gov/maps/United_Kingdom.shtml
Synoptic Charts (Plus everything else you may need!): www.itadvice.co.uk/weatherjack/wx.htm
UK Live Wind Data & predictions: www.xcweather.co.uk/
REGULATORY BODIES
MCA: The UK’s Maritime & Coastguard Agency: www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-home
Department for Transport (DfT): www.dft.gov.uk/
MAIB: The UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch: www.maib.dft.gov.uk/home/index.cfm
IMO: www.imo.org/home.asp
UKHydrographic Office:??www.ukho.gov.uk/
IALA: www.iala-aism.org/
NAVIGATION ETC
Roayal Institute of navigation : www.rin.org.uk/
VTS Information: www.maritime-vts.co.uk
GENERAL INTEREST
Maritime Blog
An interesting and informative daily blog with news from around the world: gcaptain.com/maritime/blog/
Marine Link
A US site but updated daily with World Maritime news: www.marinelink.com/main/main.asp
Maritime Log
Contains maritime history bulletin board, blogs, articles but also up to date maritime press cuttings are uploaded on this site. A very useful searchable archive facility. post.queensu.ca/cgi-bin/listserv/wa
Tugs at war
DVD containing rare footage and interviews of tugs and crews and their vital but largely ignored role in WW2. Review coming soon: www.maydaytugsofwar.com/trailers/purchase.html
Merchant Navy.
Although the title of this site is Tees ships, the site contains hundreds of links to MN sites around the world. A bit tricky to navigate?? but that’s what your trained to do! Enjoy: www.teesships.freeuk.com/0628links.htm
HMS Worcester: There is a thriving Worcester Association and full details can be obtained via their website:??www.hms-worcester.co.uk/homepage.html
Welcome to THE PILOT, the magazine of the United Kingdom Maritime Pilots’ Association (UKMPA) www.ukmpa.org
This home page contains press cuttings updated whenever I get time. I normally change the photo when I update the site content. Specific topics may be found using the search box at the top of this page.
Please Note: All the content is made freely available for research purposes but if you wish to use any content in another publication please contact me for permission from the author.
The opinions expressed in the content are those of the authors and are not necessarily those endorsed by the UKMPA
Finally it should, in particular, be noted that the analysis of incidents and investigations are my own personal interpretation and reference should always be made to the original reports via the embedded links.
John Clandillon-Baker FNI: Editor
“BIT OCTANIA”?? Sea Reach, Thames Estuary photo JCB
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22/07/08?? I am in the final stages of proof reading the July issue so the magazine should be printed and posted out next week.
JCB
URGENT!!
THE PROPOSED MARINE BILL IS CURRENTLY IN THE CONSULTATION PHASE. ALL UK PILOTS SHOULD READ THIS AND RESPOND BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE OF 25TH JULY.
THE SUMMARY AND CONSULTATION DOCUMENT CAN BE FOUND AT THE FOLLOWING LINK:
www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/marinenavbill/
THE SECTIONS WHERE PILOTS MAY WISH TO PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION ARE PAGE 10 (pdf p14) WHICH COVERS THE REMOVAL OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR A PEC HOLDER TO BE THE BONA FIDE MASTER OR FIRST MATE AND
PAGE 11 (pdf p15) NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL STANDARDS
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IMPA CONGRESS BANKOK 4TH - 8TH AUGUST 2008: www.impa2008.org/
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BBC RADIO 4 PROGRAMME ON PILOTS
ARTICLE ON PILOTS IN THE TIMES NEWSPAPER
women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/the_way_we_live/article3122236.ece
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Marine Navigation Bill on course
Unions pleased with Transport Committee???s backing of legislation, but employers less happy
A CROSS-PARTY group of MPs has broadly backed the current Marine Navigation Bill, with the significant rider that it would prefer the Port Marine Safety Code to be put on a statutory footing.
But even there, a report published by the House of Commons Transport Committee on Saturday describes the idea of allowing the issue of directions to port and harbour authorities as a significant step in the right direction. ???We recommend that the secretary of state make active use of these new powers to strengthen and support the existing safety regime, rather than waiting until a problem emerges,??? the document states.
Provisions relating to general lighthouse authorities are described as a ???sensible package??? that will clarify their powers, particularly where local lighthouse authorities fail to comply with their directions.
The was also support for the International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, to which the draft Bill will give statutory effect. This will remove significant potential liabilities for wreck removal in UK waters from UK taxpayers, the committee noted.
But concern was expressed over the idea of deregulation of pilotage exemption certificates, which the committee believes ???could create additional dangers???.
The committee wants the government to specify an appropriate rank for PEC holders after further consultation with the industry, rather than leaving the onus on individual harbour authorities to assess each individual applicant???s skills.
Industry reaction was mixed, with unions rather happier with the findings than employers. British Ports Association director David Whitehead said: ???The report talks about the ???voluntary??? approach as represented by the [Port Marine Safety] code. We would not regard it as voluntary.
???It is not intended to be optional. It???s not law, but everyone regards it as the foundation of navigational safety. We don???t see the added value of regulation.???
But a spokesman for Nautilus UK, the UK???s main shipping union, said that the union was pleased with the general tenor of the conclusions.
???From our point of view, this is really good stuff. It???s high time the Port Marine Safety Code was made mandatory.???
There was also backing for the committee???s position on PECs. ???We have had profound concerns, particularly with pilotage proposals which give too much to commercial pressure and have nothing to do with safety,??? the Nautilus UK spokesman added.
However, Tim Reardon, a ports and pilotage specialist at the Chamber of Shipping, said: ???It is disappointing that scaremongering by the trade unions has obscured the fact that allowing a ship to carry more than just two PEC-holders will enhance safety standards, not detract from them. Shipowners are committed to safety, and we will obviously pursue that enhancement undeterred.???
The House of Commons Transport Committee today welcomed the Department for Transport???s Marine Navigation Bill, which it has considered in draft.
???We are pleased to have had the opportunity to conduct pre-legislative scrutiny of this Bill. It is a welcome package of measures which will help to improve port safety, clarify the role of the General Lighthouse Authorities, and provide the statutory basis for the implementation of the Nairobi Convention on the Removal of Wrecks. But we have a number of concerns including proposals to change the Pilotage Exemption Certificate and the absence of a mandatory set of port safety standards in place of the current voluntary Code, something we have long urged them to do.???
As well as calling for mandatory port safety standards, the Committee makes the following recommendations:
o
The Bill should specify that only ???bona fide??? members of a ship???s crew should be allowed to hold a Pilotage Exemption Certificate, which allows them to take the ship into a port or harbour without taking a pilot on board.
o
The Government should implement proposals in the draft Bill to introduce national qualifications for pilots and harbour masters, but with a degree of flexibility to acknowledge the very different circumstances of different ports.
o
The three General Lighthouse Authorities for the British Isles should be given wider powers to prosecute those who fail to maintain essential aids to navigation, such as buoys and beacons.
o
The Committee has endorsed provisions which would clarify the GLAs??? powers to operate beyond the UK???s territorial waters.
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