All the best for the final round.
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We heartily thank all the participants across MTIs all over India, for their sincere efforts towards improving the Pilot Ladder Safety.
Everyone is a winner, and we firmly believe that all of you will carry the baton of change for improving safety forward
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The revised prizes are as follows:
First Prize: Rs. 18,000
Second Prize: Rs. 12,000
STAY TUNED !
In EHS circles and Insurance sectors we may have come across this word “Defensive Driving techniques”.
Below excerpt from Wikipedia
“Defensive driving skills is “driving to save lives, time, and money, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others.”[1] This definition is taken from the National Safety Council’s Defensive Driving Course. It is a form of training for motor vehicle drivers that goes beyond mastery of the rules of the road and the basic mechanics of driving. Its aim is to reduce the risk of collision by anticipating dangerous situations, despite adverse conditions or the mistakes of others. This can be achieved through adherence to a variety of general guidelines, such as following the assured clear distance ahead and two second rules, as well as the practice of specific driving techniques. Some motorists describe defensive driving as “driving as if everyone else on the road were drunk.”
Now why are we discussing this at a maritime pilotage Forum?
Well the stakes are much more high in Maritime pilotage as compared to road driving, as world has learnt during Suez Incident. Here single Pilot is conducting the navigation of say a Large ULCS (Ultra large container ship) costing about 120 million USD and loaded with another few hundred million of cargo with Dimensions of 400 mtr long and 60 mtr wide, with weight about 2.5 lac tons. So the approach which looked bold and classy in past may look foolish now if not done with adequate contingency.
So it becomes increasingly important that wherever possible maneuvers should be done in such way that failure of one single equipment (engine failure, tug rope parting, tug failure etc.) does not put vessel into immediate danger and pilots get time to react to situation even if such maneuvering practices take little more time.
Well as such during pilotage we are always taking into account contingencies, Due regard to weather, other activities happening in area, other movements etc.
So what new things will we discuss here? I will try to explain with few example:-
I completely agree points 1 and 2 may not be possible to implement at ports with strong tides.
While most of the contingencies should be included in ports SOP on Pilotage. But Pilotage being of very dynamic nature, not all scenarios may be included in SOP. So it is left onto individual Pilots to incorporate in their day to day practices.
Above are few examples, what are your thoughts?
If you have few more similar Idea or practices at your port, I would be very keen to hear from you.
]]>After a long innings as a seafarer and then almost as long ashore as a pilot, the thought rattles around in the head. The mind says ‘no’, the body whispers ‘better go’. So, when should I give myself “out”? And finally take to a retired life. Become a ‘former’ pilot?
To never again feel the indescribable pleasure of safely berthing or sailing out a ship. Small or large, the pleasure is the same! When done, of the quick nod of thanks or firm handshake from the Master. Before he hurries off to deal with “the Authorities” or the myriad demands on his time. Of the cheery “Thanks, Pilot!” by the crew as they see me off the gangway or the ladder.
Soon, back to my rooms at the port. For some well-earned rest in the company of colleagues. And time on calls to family and friends in distant places. And to brood.
Ah well, for now, just savor these moments I tell myself. For that day, when I have to answer that cry “howzzat?!!” tumbling inside my head, with an “out!” draws ever closer.
Despite their busy schedule, we heartily thank all the judges for meticulously going through all the papers, and giving us the best top 10.
We are forever grateful for their efforts, and on behalf of the entire SAMIPTA fraternity, extend our heartfelt gratitude .