Pilots, Ship

Direct courses and speeds of ships, based on specialized knowledge of local winds, weather, water depths, tides, currents, and hazards.

Steer ships into or out of berths or signal tugboat captains to berth or unberth ships.

Set ships' courses that avoid reefs, outlying shoals, or other hazards, using navigational aids, such as lighthouses or buoys.

Prevent ships under their navigational control from engaging in unsafe operations.

Serve as a vessel's docking master upon arrival at a port or when at a berth.

Consult maps, charts, weather reports, or navigation equipment to determine and direct ship movements.

Give directions to crew members who are steering ships.

Operate ship-to-shore radios to exchange information needed for ship operations.

Provide assistance to vessels approaching or leaving seacoasts, navigating harbors, or docking and undocking.

Report to appropriate authorities any violations of federal or state pilotage laws.

Provide assistance in maritime rescue operations.

Maintain ship logs.

Advise ships' masters on harbor rules and customs procedures.

Relieve crew members on tugs or launches.

Maintain or repair boats or equipment.

Learn to operate new technology systems and procedures, through the use of instruction, simulators, or models.

Oversee cargo storage on or below decks.

Make nautical maps.