inshore pilots

It is five o'clock in the morning, a ship enter the lock of Ouistreham.On board, a member of the crew throws the "touline", thin rope ballasted with an "apple"("pomme"), which other end is "frappée" on the "aussière" overhanging the "chaumard".

On the quay, the inshore pilots are going to grab and load this "touline".

INSHORE PILOTS" ?

Did you say "inshore pilots"?

Who are they ?

They are commercial sailors who chose a difficult job: to cast off ships of any size and help them with the manoeuvres to approach the port buildings . Thanks to their devotion and their technical skill, they are an essential element to ensure the smooth running of commercial ports.

A difficult job

It would appear to be an easy job, but it's nothing of the sort.

Often ignored, this job requires a constant presence of mind in hard working conditions, which difficulty increases according to the bad weather, the particularity and the size of the ships.

Port harmony

Working in close collaboration with the harbour master's office, as well as the piloting and tugging services, the inshore pilotage cooperative greatly contributes, days and nights, towards the competitiveness of the port of Caen/Ouistreham.

Aboard the ships

The inshore pilots, thanks to their training as commercial sailors, can provide crews to the defective ships, barges or floating crafts.

In the ports

Versatile, they are also competent for the ordinary tugging. They are often requested to "avitailler" (supply with provisions and equipement) the ships , for the loading manoeuvres of special parcels which require a staff able to sling and use all the technics of the "sea handling".

Dangerous materials

Aboard the ships which are alongside, the inshore pilots guard dangerous materials. They greatly contribute towards the safety of the ports.

Drafts Surveys

During the freigth surveys, they are in charge of the interpretation of the draft marks on the ships' hull.