Off the Wall

[golfb4cruzing]

I watch alot of port webcams. Ships come into Nassau, spin and then back into the dock. What I've noticed is the Disney ships come into the port much faster and they spin opposite of all other ships. I see the pilot boats go out so, can't be cruise line personnel at the helm. Does anyone have an opinion as to why this is? Are Disney ships better equipped? They also spin much quicker as well.

Edited April 2, 2016 by golfb4cruzing

[chengkp75]

I watch alot of port webcams. Ships come into Nassau, spin and then back into the dock. What I've noticed is the Disney ships come into the port much faster and they spin opposite of all other ships. I see the pilot boats go out so, can't be cruise line personnel at the helm. Does anyone have an opinion as to why this is? Are Disney ships better equipped? They also spin much quicker as well.

 

Actually, the pilot is never "at the helm" or touches any maneuvering control. The pilot will give commands that the Captain and crew follow. Generally, when close maneuvering like in a turning basin and approaching the dock, the Captain has the controls, and it is his discretion as to how quickly he accommodates the pilot's instructions. It can also depend on how much reserve power the ship has online when maneuvering to allow extra power be used to spin or reverse quicker. Mostly, though, it is the Captain's preference for docking and maneuvering speed. There is always a "Master/Pilot" conference before the pilot takes the "conn" (as an advisor to the Captain) which covers things like power, speed, and the Captain's preferences. Many Captains have pilotage in many ports, and the pilot is only onboard because he is required and contractually has to be paid.

Edited April 2, 2016 by chengkp75

[crusinpsychRN]

Actually, the pilot is never "at the helm" or touches any maneuvering control. The pilot will give commands that the Captain and crew follow. Generally, when close maneuvering like in a turning basin and approaching the dock, the Captain has the controls, and it is his discretion as to how quickly he accommodates the pilot's instructions. It can also depend on how much reserve power the ship has online when maneuvering to allow extra power be used to spin or reverse quicker. Mostly, though, it is the Captain's preference for docking and maneuvering speed. There is always a "Master/Pilot" conference before the pilot takes the "conn" (as an advisor to the Captain) which covers things like power, speed, and the Captain's preferences. Many Captains have pilotage in many ports, and the pilot is only onboard because he is required and contractually has to be paid.

 

I always look forward to your knowledgeable responses.

[sandij]

I too love those webcams, got to get my cruise fix between cruises.

[lizardhowson]

Actually, the pilot is never "at the helm" or touches any maneuvering control. The pilot will give commands that the Captain and crew follow. Generally, when close maneuvering like in a turning basin and approaching the dock, the Captain has the controls, and it is his discretion as to how quickly he accommodates the pilot's instructions. It can also depend on how much reserve power the ship has online when maneuvering to allow extra power be used to spin or reverse quicker. Mostly, though, it is the Captain's preference for docking and maneuvering speed. There is always a "Master/Pilot" conference before the pilot takes the "conn" (as an advisor to the Captain) which covers things like power, speed, and the Captain's preferences. Many Captains have pilotage in many ports, and the pilot is only onboard because he is required and contractually has to be paid.

 

Interesting, I always "assumed" the pilot physically maneuvered the ship.

[chengkp75]

Interesting, I always "assumed" the pilot physically maneuvered the ship.

 

In fact, the legal relationship between the pilot and Captain is that the pilot is a "local advisor" to the Captain, who can be overruled at any time by the Captain. As such, and not being an employee of the company, he is prohibited from using any of the ship's equipment. Even if he wants the range display changed on the radar, he will either ask permission or ask that the bridge officer do it.

 

There are really only two times the pilot actually has "command" of a ship, and that is in the Panama Canal, or when entering a drydock. Even then, the pilot does not touch the controls.

[golfb4cruzing]

Chengkp75, you are a rockstar !! Thanks for the education.

Edited April 2, 2016 by golfb4cruzing

[RuthlessBoss]

Chengkp75, you are a rockstar !! Thanks for the education.

 

Someone has to keep the at home armchair captains straight:D

[golfb4cruzing]

Otherwise there would be crazy rumors flying everywheres.

[missholly24]

Very cool. I always assumed the pilot took over the controls as well.