The marine pilot on board

The marine pilot operates in an autonomous capacity. With the approval of the captain, the pilot takes over the navigation of the vessel whilst also acting as advisor. The ability to be able to navigate through busy shipping lanes together with the adherence to all the safety and environmental regulations, combined with the knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the Rotterdam-Rijnmond region, makes the pilot indispensable.

Deep draught ships, some of more than 174 dm, are piloted in and out of the North Sea and are boarded by the pilot at a point 6 miles off the coast of Hoek van Holland. A pilot is placed onboard at the entrance of the Euro-geul, a deep draught channel, the entrance of which lies at a distance of around 40 miles from the coast. It offers a safe route for ships with a maximum draught of approx. 22,5 meters.

These ships are piloted by two carefully prepared and specialised pilots in possession of technologically advanced navigation equipment.