A day in the life of an Australian marine pilot

More than 98% of Australia’s trade moves through ports. At the heart of the trade supply chain are the North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) marine pilots.

NQBP manager of pilotage services Luke Sorensen recorded a typical pilotage operation with his team of maritime professionals, supporting tugs and working with a bulk carrier’s crew to safely approach and dock in the harbour at Mackay.

Every year, NQBP’s team of highly skilled marine pilots are responsible for safely bringing around 1,300 ships in and out of the ports of Mackay and Hay Point.

As demonstrated in the video, in Mackay, they travel 4 nautical miles out to sea via a pilot boat to board an incoming vessel. To embark, they climb a ladder that hangs over the side of a ship. This takes physical strength and skill to undertake - especially at night or in windy conditions.

Once on board, the first order of business is the master-pilot exchange with the ship’s captain and to set the plan in motion for a safe and seamless arrival.

Using navigational tools and local knowledge, the marine pilot guides the vessel through the Port of Mackay’s 180-m-wide entrance, past landmarks like Slade Island, at a speed of around 5 knots.

Continuous communication with the tugs and the line handling crew ensures a safe and efficient berthing with millimetre precision.

The 27th International Tug & Salvage Convention, Exhibition & Awards will be held in association with Caterpillar in Dubai, UAE, 21-23 May 2024. Use this link for more details of this industry event and the associated social and networking opportunities