Carefully directing container ships, private yachts, tankers and other hefty vessels through the narrow and rock-lined channels of Boston Harbor is a task handled by highly skilled pilots, who know the harbor like the back of their proverbial hands.
A job that puts them in treacherous and unpredictable conditions, typical pilots have extensive deep-sea or tugboat experience before they enter a highly competitive training program or apprenticeship. Besides basic ship handling, pilots receive training in bridge resource management, emergency ship handling and the newest navigation technology. Unable to rely on charts or electronic cartography in case of electronics failure, these pilots must know every inch of the harbor by heart.
Recently the pilots helped guide 50 tall ships into Boston Harbor for Sail Boston, an event that started on June 17 and will end with the departure of the ships on June 22.
This video by WCVB has more:
