Remote pilotage offers the same service quality as traditional piloting, adhering to the same legal frameworks. In remote pilotage, the pilot acts as an advisor to the ship’s captain and a local expert from an onshore location. We propose that remote pilotage can be provided with at least the same level of safety as traditional pilotage, given that the following conditions are met.
Certification and Training of Ships and Crew
Remote pilotage is feasible for ships whose technical and navigational capabilities, as well as crew competence, meet the required standards. Compatibility between the technical systems installed on the vessel and the remote pilotage system is ensured through audits. The crew receives specific training for remote pilotage. Before commencing pilotage, the ship’s technical capabilities and the crew’s skills and readiness are verified.
Competent and Reliable Technical Systems
Remote pilotage requires more detailed information than traditional pilotage, including the ship’s route plan, real-time location, motion or movement status of the vessel, other traffic, and environmental factors such as weather. To obtain sufficient information, remote-piloted ships and routes are equipped with sensors that compile data into the remote pilotage system. Critical information, such as location data, is produced through a combination of multiple sensor systems.
Roles and Predefined Procedures
As with traditional pilotage, the ship’s captain is ultimately responsible for the ship’s navigation and safety. The success of remote pilotage relies on both the ship and the remote pilot adhering to predefined procedures. Since the remote pilot cannot directly control the ship, critical points and potential risks of the journey are identified in advance, and predetermined decision-making processes are followed in situations requiring rapid action. The VTS center also plays a key role in remote pilotage, helping to create comprehensive situational awareness.
Shared Situational Awareness and Communication
During remote pilotage, it is essential to ensure that the situational awareness of both the remote pilot and the ship’s captain is consistent and that their situational understanding is communicated clearly and swiftly in both directions. New technical solutions, such as the remote pilotage system interface, support the formation of shared situational awareness. A private communication channel is established between the ship and the remote pilot. Traditional communication methods, such as VHF radio, are also available if needed. Communication is adapted to the current maritime situation, and the functionality of data and voice communication channels is always ensured. The ship’s captain plays an active role, conveying their situational understanding to the pilot. The pilot does not issue steering commands but provides information to support the captain’s decision-making.
Planning the Piloting Journey and Information Flow
The ship’s route plan serves as the basis for the remote piloting journey. The ship sends the route plan to the remote pilot, who reviews and suggests adjustments to the plan if necessary. Simultaneously, the basic information about the ship and the journey is updated in the remote pilotage system.
Iiro Törmä
UX/UI Researcher, Designer
Novia UAS
