Changes

==Origin==

==Origin==

Middle French ''pilote'', from Italian ''pilota'', alteration of ''pedota'', from Middle Greek ''pēdōtēs'', from Greek ''pēda'' steering oars, plural of ''pēdon'' oar; probably akin to Greek ''pod''-, ''pous'' foot  

Middle French ''pilote'', from Italian ''pilota'', alteration of ''pedota'', from Middle Greek ''pēdōtēs'', from Greek ''pēda'' steering oars, plural of ''pēdon'' oar; probably akin to Greek ''pod''-, ''pous'' foot  

*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16th_century 1530]

*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16th_century 1530]

==Definitions==

==Definitions==

*1a : one employed to steer a ship : helmsman

*1a : one employed to steer a ship : helmsman

*6: pilot light  

*6: pilot light  

==Description==

==Description==

A '''pilot''' is a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariner mariner] who [[guides]] ships through [[dangerous]] or congested waters, such as [[harbors]] or [[river]] mouths. Pilots are expert shiphandlers who possess detailed knowledge of local waterways.

A '''pilot''' is a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariner mariner] who [[guides]] ships through [[dangerous]] or congested waters, such as [[harbors]] or [[river]] mouths. Pilots are expert shiphandlers who possess detailed knowledge of local waterways.

The master has full responsibility for safe [[navigation]] of his vessel, even if a ''pilot'' is on board. If he has clear grounds that the ''pilot'' may jeopardise the [[safety]] of navigation, he can relieve him from his [[duties]] and ask for another pilot or, if not compulsory to have a ''pilot'' on board, navigate the vessel without one. Only in transit of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panama_Canal Panama Canal] does the pilot have the full [[responsibility]] for the navigation of the vessel.

The master has full responsibility for safe [[navigation]] of his vessel, even if a ''pilot'' is on board. If he has clear grounds that the ''pilot'' may jeopardise the [[safety]] of navigation, he can relieve him from his [[duties]] and ask for another pilot or, if not compulsory to have a ''pilot'' on board, navigate the vessel without one. Only in transit of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panama_Canal Panama Canal] does the pilot have the full [[responsibility]] for the navigation of the vessel.

In English Law, ''Section 742 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894'' defines a ''pilot'' as "any person not belonging to a ship who has the conduct thereof". In other words, someone other than a member of the crew who has [[control]] over the [[speed]], [[direction]], and movement of the ship. The current United Kingdom legislation governing pilotage is the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilotage_Act_1987 Pilotage Act 1987].

In English Law, ''Section 742 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894'' defines a ''pilot'' as "any person not belonging to a ship who has the conduct thereof". In other words, someone other than a member of the crew who has [[control]] over the [[speed]], [[direction]], and movement of the ship. The current United Kingdom legislation governing pilotage is the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilotage_Act_1987 Pilotage Act 1987].

Pilotage is one of the oldest [[professions]], as old as [[sea]] [[travel]] itself, and it is one of the most important in maritime safety. The oldest recorded history dates back to about the 7th century BC.[1] The economic and environmental risk from today's large [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cargo_ship cargo ships] makes the role of the pilot essential.

Pilotage is one of the oldest [[professions]], as old as [[sea]] [[travel]] itself, and it is one of the most important in maritime safety. The oldest recorded history dates back to about the 7th century BC.[1] The economic and environmental risk from today's large [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cargo_ship cargo ships] makes the role of the pilot essential.

As the most challenging part of any ship's voyage is the passage through the narrow waterways that lead to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port port] and the final [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dock_(maritime) docking] of the ship. The pilot brings to the ship expertise in handling large vessels in confined waterways and expert local [[knowledge]] of the port. In addition to bringing local maritime expertise on board, unlike the vessel's captain, the pilot is [[insulated]] from the [[economic]] [[pressures]] (e.g., getting the ship from point A to point B on time, regardless of [[weather]] conditions, traffic, or other [[navigation]] issues) that can compromise safety. Instead of being part of the ship's crew, pilots are employed locally and therefore act on behalf of the [[public]] rather than of the shipowners.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_pilot]

As the most challenging part of any ship's voyage is the passage through the narrow waterways that lead to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port port] and the final [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dock_(maritime) docking] of the ship. The pilot brings to the ship expertise in handling large vessels in confined waterways and expert local [[knowledge]] of the port. In addition to bringing local maritime expertise on board, unlike the vessel's captain, the pilot is [[insulated]] from the [[economic]] [[pressures]] (e.g., getting the ship from point A to point B on time, regardless of [[weather]] conditions, traffic, or other [[navigation]] issues) that can compromise safety. Instead of being part of the ship's crew, pilots are employed locally and therefore act on behalf of the [[public]] rather than of the shipowners.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_pilot]

[[Category: General Reference]]

[[Category: General Reference]]