The pilot has an essential role for navigation and for the safety of the ship during

her way to the wave point. The pilot is in expert in waters hydrodynamics and he
knows very well local waters and he is needed on board if the captain doesnt
know those waters properly.
Captain knows his ship and his crew perfectly, but when it comes to more
specifically areas of some port or channels, things may change, and heres come
for the pilot to give advices about maneuverability.
It is said that presence of the pilot on board must offer a better vigilance and,
when the pilot comes on board, the officer of the watch must continue his duties.
Also, the captain has the last word when it comes for the ships maneuverability.
He is responsible for the safety of the crew and the safety of his ship and he
directly responsible for any incidents may occur. That is why officer of the watch
must listen carefully to his master orders and finish his tasks.
Before the pilot arrival an ETA must be determined and this is communicated by
VHF. The cat ladder must be prepared and all safety measures must be
accomplished. The pilotage equipment must be checked and the radar too. Also
the documentation must be checked too.
The pilot flag must be hoisted for the other vessels must know that the ships is
underway with pilot on board.