MARINE PILOTAGE
Guardians of the coast
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Background
Before delving into the various aspects of pilotage, it is helpful to recognize the experience that Pelletier brings to the conversation. As a seasoned mariner, he has sailed on many different types of vessels, on every ocean, and made ports of call on all continents. He started his career in 1982 and rapidly achieved the rank of master before qualifying for his licence as a marine pilot on the St. Lawrence River in 1996. A champion of both his profession and marine safety, Captain Pelletier has played a leadership
Captain Simon Pelletier 28 — PACIFIC PORTS — April 2021
“Pilotage is not a private business; it is a public service delivered — actually mandated by governments around the world — to safeguard the public interest...” role in the Corporation of Lower St. Lawrence Pilots, which he served as President from 2004 to 2007, and in the Canadian Marine Pilots’ Association (CMPA), of which he became President in 2009 and continues to this day. Captain Pelletier also has a keen interest in international affairs affecting marine pilotage. First elected as Vice President of the International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA) in 2008, he was elected IMPA President in 2014, and was re-elected in 2018 (terms are for four years). As President, he is responsible for ensuring that pilots from six continents and over 55 countries speak with one voice on global issues affecting pilotage, and for ensuring that they play a constructive role in discussions with their partners in the international maritime sector and, in particular, with the International Maritime Organization. Captain Pelletier holds the strong belief that, because of the key role marine pilots play in protecting the marine environment and in acting as economic enablers — and the close connection with the public interest this entails – they must uphold the highest standards of professionalism in everything they do and at all times. His work as a representative of pilots also reflects the belief that pilots need to be actively engaged, in a strategic and well-coordinated manner, in every process affecting their profession at the local, national, and international levels. So, what are the responsibilities of a marine pilot? According to Captain Pelletier, the Canada Pilotage Act provides a good summary that can be applied to any jurisdiction:
From the archives of Dave Roels
A pilot’s fundamental responsibility has not changed since the first pilot boarded a vessel to steer her into port: to ensure its safe navigation through expert knowledge of local waters,” said Captain Simon Pelletier, President of the International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA). “First and foremost, pilots serve the public interest.” And with safety records close to 100 per cent in many jurisdictions that fall within the IMPA’s membership, who better to explain the importance of marine pilotage than Captain Pelletier, a 40-year veteran of the industry.
