Legal Definitions - pilotage

Definition: Pilotage is the act of navigating a vessel, which means steering and controlling its movement. It is the job of a pilot to guide a ship safely through a particular area, such as a harbor or a narrow channel.

Examples:

• A pilot is required to board a large cargo ship and provide pilotage services to guide the vessel into port.
• The captain of a cruise ship may rely on pilotage to navigate through a complex waterway, such as the Panama Canal.

These examples illustrate how pilotage is an essential aspect of maritime transportation. Without skilled pilots to guide ships through challenging waters, there would be a greater risk of accidents and damage to vessels and cargo.