European Parliament opposes extension of pilots role

Intertanko is pleased to see that the European Parliament is set to oppose the extension of the pilot?s role to include reports of visible deficiencies on board. The EC is keen to ensure that Europe?s port state control directive, which is part of the Third Maritime Safety Package, extends to deep-sea pilots the port pilots? existing obligation to report defects.

Intertanko and other maritime industry bodies expressed their concerns over such a move well before the set of Safety Proposals was published. They believe that pilots have enough on their plates without taking on responsibilities as “port state control surveyors”. Such reporting could jeopardise open, transparent communications between the pilot and the master, and also the integration of the pilot into the bridge team. Additionally, doubts were expressed about pilots? competence for this role.

Written communications were sent to the EC and the industry?s concerns have also been made known to MEPs both directly and via the industry Intergroup, as well as to several of the EU Member States.

The pilots have also acknowledged that there is a downside to such a role, as working in this way could damage their relationship with ship masters and could affect the use of pilots in non-compulsory situations.