MASTER PILOT INFORMATION EXCHANGE

CHIEF MATE OF A FOREIGN GOING SHIP 

BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING

MASTER PILOT INFORMATION EXCHANGE

1. Write short notes on: Master – Pilot information exchange 

                                               (OR/AND),

List the information exchanged between the matter and pilot once the pilot is on the bridge. 

                                               (OR/AND),

What are the information exchanged between Pilot, Master and the Bridge Team prior to commencement of the passage with Pilot on board.

                                               (OR/AND),

Explain the salient features to master-pilot exchange.

                                               (OR/AND),

What are the contents and significance of master-pilot information exchange?

                                               (OR/AND),

Explain master-pilot exchange with special reference to passage plan, UKC, safe speed, duties of bridge team and contingency planning.

Master/pilot information exchange (MPX)

• The pilot and the Master should exchange information about the pilot’s intentions, the ship’s characteristics and operational factors as soon as possible after the pilot has boarded.
• For an effective and clear exchange of information, the MPX checklist should be used.
• It should cover:

 Presentation of a completed standard pilot card.

The passage plan and the circumstances when it may be necessary to deviate from the plan.

Changes to the plan should be agreed and changes to individual bridge team responsibilities made before pilotage begins.

Updates on local conditions such as weather, depth of water, tides and tidal streams.

An update on traffic conditions.

Ship’s dimensions and manoeuvring information in the form of the wheelhouse poster

A manoeuvring booklet containing more detailed information should also be available on the bridge.

Any unusual ship handling characteristics and machinery, navigational equipment and crew limitations that could affect the safe conduct of pilotage and berthing.

Information on berthing arrangements including the use, characteristics and number of tugs, mooring boats, mooring arrangements and other external facilities.

Contingency plans identifying possible abort points if there should be a malfunction or a shipboard emergency.

Formal confirmation of the working language.

• All defects that might affect the maneuverability of the ship or the pilotage should be reported to the pilot.
• In some circumstances, a debriefing with the pilot after pilotage may help to identify how the bridge team could improve the conduct of future pilotage operations.

2) List the preparations and procedures for picking up pilot when arriving port from sea.

(I) Preparation for picking up pilot when arriving port from sea:

(a) The passage plan

• The passage plan contains information related to navigation in pilotage waters.
• The Master should be prepared to accept any necessary amendments to the passage plan when the pilot boards, after an appropriate discussion.
• Any agreed changes to the passage plan should also be communicated to the OOW.

(b) The ship and bridge team

• The bridge team should be briefed about their duties on the pilotage.
• The pilot card should be completed.
• Communications should be set up with the pilot, port VTS and port authorities as appropriate.

(c) The pilot

• The Master should expect the pilot(s) to be qualified, certified, experienced in the intended pilotage, and adequately rested and alert.
• The Master has a right to request a replacement pilot if they consider it necessary.
• Masters should be aware that a pilot may refuse to conduct a pilotage if they believe that the ship may be a danger to the safety of navigation or to the environment.
• If a pilotage is refused, the pilot may have to report the reason to the appropriate authority for further action.

(d) The pilot card

• The pilot card should be updated to include all the details of the current ship condition and all the relevant information for the passage and port.
• It is important to record every defect that may affect the ship’s manoeuvrability or pilotage and to provide the pilot with clear details about those defects.
• The pilot card format should be based on the IMO standard format.

(II) Procedure for picking up pilot when arriving port from sea:

(a) Pilot boarding time

• To allow enough time for a comprehensive MPEX, the ship should be ready to embark the pilot at the agreed time.
• Any delays in embarkation may reduce the time needed for a detailed exchange of information and for making amendments to the passage plan, if necessary.

(b) Embarking the pilot

• The Master should make sure that a properly maintained means of pilot embarkation and disembarkation is ready and positioned, rigged, checked and manned in accordance with SOLAS regulation V/23, and, where applicable, local requirements.
• If the pilot is to embark by helicopter, the Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations should be consulted.
• The pilot should use appropriate PPE.
• The pilot should liaise with the Master so that the ship is positioned and manoeuvred to permit safe boarding.