The importance of good and effective communication between all those on the bridge of a ship when working in a port with local harbour pilots has been stressed at a conference in Cork yesterday on the topic of ‘Pilotage today and into the future' writes Tom MacSweeney.
Four leading marine organisations have combined to hold the conference – the Irish Institute of Master Mariners; the Irish Branch of the international Nautical Institute; NMCI Ports, which is the Port Operations Training Solutions section of the National Maritime College; and the Port of Cork Company.
It is being held at the College in Ringaskiddy on the edge of Cork Harbour where it began this afternoon and will continue tomorrow, concluding at 1 p.m. with an open discussion session on the topics emerging.
The relationship of Shipmasters and bridge crews aboard vessels with the pilots when they board the ships, the use of new electronic technology and other emerging trends, the adequacy of the training of pilots and the interaction with tugs when used, to ensure safe towage are amongst the topics being discussed.
