BOSTON PILOT ASSOCIATION, LLC
256 Marginal St. Building #11 East Boston, Massachusetts 02128
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BOSTON PILOT ASSOCIATION, LLC 256 Marginal St. Building #11 East Boston, Massachusetts 02128 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Question: What is a Boston Harbor Pilot and/or State Pilot?
Answer: A Boston Harbor Pilot (State Pilot) is a local knowledge expert Commissioned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. They are highly skilled and trained in assuming the conduct of large ships with the utmost care within the harbor limits.
2) Question: What is a Federal Pilot?
Answer: A Federal Pilot holds a USCG endorsement to pilot US registered ships engaged in domestic trade.
3) Question: What is the difference between a State Pilot and a Federal Pilot?
Answer: State Pilots are compulsory pilots required by state law for all vessels engaged in foreign commerce. State Pilots are commissioned by individual states to represent the public trust. State Pilots also hold a Federal Pilot license. State Pilots require much more training and experience than a Federal Pilot. A Federal Pilot can only service vessels engaged in domestic trade.
4) Question: What is a Docking Master or Docking Pilot?
Answer: A Docking Master or Docking Pilot is one in the same. Docking Masters are employees of Tug companies who offer tug assist to ships while docking. Docking Masters are company employees who have been promoted from tug captain, and do not represent the public.
5) Question: Am I required to utilize a Docking Master?
Answer: No, There are no State or Federal requirements to hire a Docking Master. However, some tug companies may require the use of their employed Docking Master. Regardless, a Boston Pilot is required to remain onboard the vessel by the State, and is available to the Captain for Docking Ships.
6) Question: How can I become a Boston Pilot?
Answer: Anyone meeting the State requirements set under M.G.L Chapter 103 and 995 CMR 2.0 can apply for a trainee position when notice is given by the Pilot Commissioners.
7) Question: How do Boston Pilots protect the public interest while ensuring the safe flow of commerce?
Answer: Boston Pilots are compulsory and hold a commission from the Pilot Commissioners who are appointed by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This system ensures each commissioned pilot makes decisions based solely on professional experience and accepted safe navigational practices without any commercial influence clouding his/her judgment. Boston Pilots meet the highest commissioning standards in the nation.
8) Question: What stakeholders do Boston Pilots work with in the Port of Boston?
Answer: Boston Pilots serve with many port community members and are relied on for our expertise of maritime affairs. Our Members serve on USCG Area Maritime Security Committee AMSC, The Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary Advisory Committee SAC, Right Whale Ship Strike Committee Right Whale, The Boston Harbor Association TBHA, Massachusetts Oil Spill Advisory Council DEP, Port Operators Group, Boston Marine Society BMS, The Propeller Club Port of Boston Prop Club, APA Navigational and Technology Committee NavTech Committee, The American Pilots Association APA, Masters Mates and Pilots MMP,The American Maritime Officers AMO Pile Drivers Local 56 Local 56