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Cruising behind the scenes: Florida Harbor Pilots Association
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If you have been on a cruise and watched carefully as the ship either leaves or comes back to shore, you will have seen what looks like a small speedboat with the word "PILOT" on it. That pilot is one of a select few individuals with a skill necessary to get your large ship in and out of the port.
A topic of discussion in recent years, as cruise lines look to control expenses more and more, is the wages paid the Harbor Pilots in Florida, viewed as excessive. A study by the Florida Alliance of Maritime Organizations, released last week, says Florida's 88 pilots at the state's 14 combined cruise and cargo ports ear an average salary of $368,000, viewed as excessive by the organization.
As reported in the Jacksonville Business Journal, Florida Harbour Pilots Association spokeswoman Sarah Bascom said the study was an attempt by the cruise industry to cut costs and damage port security by eliminating the requirement of pilots who understand the local waters.
By world-wide accepted definition, Harbour Pilots are a key element to the safety of ships, passengers, crew and the environment. One of the most challenging parts of any ship's voyage is making it through the channels and narrow waterways that lead to the port and then the final docking of the ship. Pilots meet the ship before it enters difficult to maneuver waters, comes aboard the ship and assists the crew in their docking routine. The pilot sails away with each ship leaving the harbor, returned to shore by the pilot boat after the ship has cleared local waters.
Is $388,000 too much to pay?
Probably not if that pilot assures the safety of ship, crew and the port. Think about that the next time you are sailing away on the next cruise.
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