The men and women who pilot ships in and out of San Diego Harbor are the unsung heroes of the Port of San Diego. “It’s something people don’t think about or even know about, but they are critically important,” said Port Commissioner Lou Smith.
Photo above: Navy pilot boat guiding a sub into port
Harbor pilots ensure that ships sail seamlessly into and out of the bay, protecting not only the ships’ crews, but also their cargo. It is a complicated and sometimes risky job that is vital to the local economy and the security of the country.
Last year alone, the Port of San Diego imported $5.9 billion dollars worth of cargo and exported $7.8 million, adding some $7.5 million to the local economy, according to Tanya Castaneda, Public Information Officer for the port.
“It’s the number one port in the world for break bulk cargo, items that can’t be shipped in a container – bananas, yachts, soda ash, windmills and cars,” she added
Most commercial vessels come from distant shores and their crews are not familiar with intricacies of San Diego Bay, explained Bill Bartech of the San Diego Bay Pilots Association. While types of vessels differ, the job is essentially the same. “In open sea we pull up next to an inbound ship, grab onto a rope Jacobs ladder hanging from the deck of the ship and then climb [the equivalent of] six flights of stairs,” Bartech explained. “Once on board we head for the wheelhouse and take command of the ship.”
The port shares the bay with the Navy, who has its own Harbor Master based at the 32 Street Navel Station.
Navy harbor pilots do essentially the same job, although the Harbor Master never takes command of the Navy ships. On a naval vessel “the commanding officer is always in charge,” said Merchant Mariner Lou Castagnola. “Our job is to board the ship, get to the bridge and advise on the best way to enter the dock safely.”
Ironically doing so can be a dangerous proposition. “The maritime industry is inherently a dangerous environment,” Bartech said. “Massive forces of momentum, lines under great strain, steel vessels, engineered horsepower working to control movement through shifting waters at times in fog, darkness or wind.”
It’s not just the elements that challenge them; harbor pilots have to be mindful of other crafts in the bay – sailboats, kayaks, jet skis, water taxies, and ferries. “We have to look out for them as well,” Bartech said. “It’s absolutely the first rule,” Castagnola said.
And they have to watch out for each other. Both harbor masters are in regular contact with each other, even sharing each other’s schedules. “Sometimes we’re bring ships inboard; while they’re taking ships outboard,” Castagnola said. “We like to make sure we have as much information as possible so we can pass safely in the harbor.”
Pilotage is an ancient calling, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, where local fishermen guided ships entering unfamiliar waters. Today they are experienced merchant mariners who undergo rigorous training that can take up to five years to complete. Before they even begin to train, candidates must have a master sailing license and two years experience working on tugboats or deep draft vessels. They must also pass a tough written exam and spend another three years attaining experience with the port’s ships and docking facilities.
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Gloria Tierney
Staff Writer
eCoronado.com
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