Replies

syriacus: What nationality are the ships' pilots?

1rudeboy: What difference does it make? Indulge us.

Maybe local pilots should be in charge at this time. With the bad weather and disabled ship, and all.

Bay's pilots are a guiding force Chesapeake captains help ships navigate; 59 of the elite mariners
Originally published December 30, 2002

The 717-foot oil tanker Kite glows golden at the anchorage just south of the Bay Bridge off Annapolis. It had arrived laden with heavy fuel oil from St. Croix heading to Hess Oil's dock in Curtis Bay.
Like every ship coming from international waters, the Kite, by law, will be piloted not by its Greek captain but by a Chesapeake Bay pilot, in this case Davidsonville resident Capt. Duke Adams, who knows the bay like the back of his hand.
The Association of Maryland Pilots, based in Baltimore, has been taking ships up the shoaly waters of the bay for 150 years, making it the oldest such group in the country, according to the association. It has 59 members. [excerpt]

Like every ship coming from international waters, the Kite, by law, will be piloted not by its Greek captain but by a Chesapeake Bay pilot

Ports may require taking on a local Harbor Pilot but under IMO rules the ship's captain is still in charge and responsible for safe navigation. FWIW, when the QE-II was damaged by an uncharted wreck in Long Island Sound, the Captain chose to disregard the advice of the harbor pilot.

The way the wreck is laying, radar would not "see" it.

My radar comment addressed the initial collision that got it that way. By this time, the causuality should be surrounded by lighted markers with radar reflectors, and period warnings to navigators should be broadcast almost continously. There should probably be a French Naval or Coast Guard vessel nearby to warn-off that 5% that didn't get the word. This is sick.

BTW, I watched the hydroplane ferry from Calais to Dover from the Dover jetty once, before the chunnel opened. Damnest thing I've ever seen. It had to be going 70+ kt in about 2 miles of visibility. The ferry blew in and hit the landing ramp at just the right speed to come to a stop on top. It was the most impressive piece of seamanship I've ever witnessed. I guarantee you they had an active and alert radar watch.

I'm convinced that the British are still the finest seamen in the world.