How remote is remote pilotage?

Abstract

“Today, the idea of allowing aircraft pilots to operate as they see fit, without any control from the land, is unthinkable. Will the same things apply to ships in twenty to thirty years’ time?”

Current maritime pilotage regimes are clearly seen in some quarters as too restrictive and old fashioned. Change is “in the air” and VTS, pilotage, and the relationship between them cannot be immune to it. Subject to the attainment of the appropriate standards by both ships and their crews there is no practical reason why more flexible Vessel Traffic Management cannot be introduced. The required technology is largely available and, with the introduction of AIS, the required dynamic data can be available. Technical problems foreseen are believed capable of solution. The more significant obstacles to implementation are, therefore, largely political, commercial, organisational, and cultural. These issues are discussed in this paper taking into account the viewpoints of major stakeholders.