so exactly WHAT does the Harbor Master do while on board?

[BillB48]

Originally Posted by donaldsc View Post

Not exactly 100% true. During a Panama Canal transit, the Captain turns over complete control of the ship to the pilot who has 100% responsibility for getting the ship through the canal.

DON

 

Absolutely correct. That is also where that tap dance mentioned by Capt. BJ comes into play. As one could imagine that is an area that just may require a bit of finesse, many a master are reluctant to enter into that arrangement.

Edited May 18, 2016 by BillB48

[AKAMum]

I'm pretty sure that it's the same for the cruiseferries between Sweden and Finland/Estonia/Latvia. I have never seen a pilot onboard those.

 

In addition, the captains of the two Spirit of Tasmania ferries are qualified pilots for going through The Rip at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay which is a very dangerous stretch of water.