Pilot Responsibility? (Warning: Not C-Dory related)

C

Casey

New member
Warning: This is not C-Dory related, but I beg your indulgence and thoughts.

We are partners in a British shipping venture. Earlier in February one of our vessels was being piloted into a (British) port. The pilot ran the 89m vessel into a jetty causing several thousand pounds worth of damage (...the jetty wasn't damaged very much, and yes, the vessel's Master was on the bridge). (Reminds me of the joke about the USN warship and the lighthouse - but that's another story.)

My question relates to what (if any) responsibility marine pilots have for negligence on their part. (Maneuvering a vessel into a fixed jetty seems a bit negligent at first blush). It presents an interesting conundrum: ports often require commercial vessels to employ pilots, but I'm learning those same pilots probably have no liability for accidents. I find that difficult to believe.

I understand this probably involves admiralty law and British regulation/practice, but I'm trying to learn from the experience.

Given the breadth of experience throughout the C-Brat community I look forward to hearing your comments, and opinions. Also ... if you have any references or places I can research this topic more fully I'd really like to look into it.

Thanks,
Casey
C-Dory Naknek
The Villages, FL
Lake Montezuma, AZ
 
Casey":2o4l6iwk said:
Warning: This is not C-Dory related, but I beg your indulgence and thoughts.

We are partners in a British shipping venture. Earlier in February one of our vessels was being piloted into a (British) port. The pilot ran the 89m vessel into a jetty causing several thousand pounds worth of damage (...the jetty wasn't damaged very much, and yes, the vessel's Master was on the bridge). (Reminds me of the joke about the USN warship and the lighthouse - but that's another story.)

My question relates to what (if any) responsibility marine pilots have for negligence on their part. (Maneuvering a vessel into a fixed jetty seems a bit negligent at first blush). It presents an interesting conundrum: ports often require commercial vessels to employ pilots, but I'm learning those same pilots probably have no liability for accidents. I find that difficult to believe.

I understand this probably involves admiralty law and British regulation/practice, but I'm trying to learn from the experience.

Given the breadth of experience throughout the C-Brat community I look forward to hearing your comments, and opinions. Also ... if you have any references or places I can research this topic more fully I'd really like to look into it.

Thanks,
Casey
C-Dory Naknek
The Villages, FL
Lake Montezuma, AZ
Click to expand...

I think this is indeed a case for research into British admiralty law but in the U.S. the Master has the ultimate responsibility even over Harbor Pilot's. While they are required to use a Harbor Pilot (based on tonnage and cargo) the Master has the legal authority and responsibility to interrupt the commands of a Harbor Pilot if they feel the vessel is in danger.

I too find it hard to believe a Harbor Pilot would not be liable for damages if they made a mistake. If not by law at the VERY LEAST a civil suit from the company that owns the ship and possibly the local government if environmental damage occurs.

The Harbor Pilot's are the highest paid Captain's in Boston and I suspect any major port. They are required to have an Unlimited Tonnage Oceans license and the apprentice program lasts many years. Boston has 10 and they are paid up to a quarter mil a year. They MUST have insane insurance policies to do that kind of work. I would certainly want the largest umbrella policy I could afford if I were doing that kind of work.
 
Same way in the USN too, Matt. The Captain of the ship (Master in your case) holds the ultimate responsibility. The only time that isn't the case, is when the bow of the ship crosses the sill into a drydock. Then, the shipyard is responsible. Of course, the USN is a "self insurer" so we don't get many claims!

I'm sure this will be a complicated case! :disgust

Charlie
 
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