Highly specialized role of pilot scrutinized after Baltimore bridge collision
The expert pilots who navigate massive ships in and out of Baltimore’s port must often manoeuvre with just 2 feet of clearance from the channel floor and memorize charts, currents and every other possible maritime variable.
While the incident will undoubtedly raise larger questions about ship and port safety protocols, so far there is no indication the pilots on the Dali did anything wrong given the immediate situation they faced. The ship sent out a mayday call, which gave just enough time for authorities to close the bridge to traffic and likely prevented further deaths.
Pilots are local knowledge experts, and they give commands to the bridge team for rudder and engine settings, and for what course to steer, Post said. Ship pilots have been working in the Chesapeake Bay since 1640, and the Association of Maryland Pilots currently has 65 active pilots on its books. The association, which didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment, has issued a statement thanking first responders to the bridge accident and saying its members’ thoughts and prayers are with the families of victims.
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