New Global Study To Dive Deeper Into Remote Pilotage Safety For Future Navigation

The International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA), in partnership with the Canadian National Centre of Expertise on Maritime Pilotage (NCEMP) and the Canadian Coast Guard, is initiating a comprehensive study to assess the safety, readiness and impacts of remote pilotage on global navigation.

The partnership aims to evaluate the impact of remote navigation on conventional ships and future vessels operating autonomously or remotely.

Capt. Simon Pelletier, President of IMPA, emphasized the potential of remote pilotage and discussed the need for a thorough analysis that would offer trustworthy, fact-based insights.

IMPA represents maritime pilots from over 50 nations and conducts over 2 million pilotage tasks annually. The study will focus on the socio-technical aspects of pilotage, analyzing potential impacts on risks, costs and social acceptance.

Remote pilotage would involve navigating ships without a pilot physically on board, relying instead on technology and shore-based experts.

IMPA’s project aims to test the feasibility of remote pilotage and its possible impact on the well-established practice of compulsory pilotage, which assures safe navigation in challenging waters near ports and coastal zones.

This research supports the Canadian Coast Guard’s objective to innovate for future navigational needs.

The Canadian Coast Guard’s Commissioner, Mario Pelletier, said that understanding the role of emerging technology in navigation safety is crucial as the Coast Guard adapts to modern maritime trade demands.

NCEMP’s Executive Director, Captain Alain Arseneault, discussed the need to link technology adoption with navigation requirements securely.

He also talked about the importance of precise, evidence-based guidance that may be implemented not only in Canada but also in other regions where remote pilotage is being considered.

This unique study combines marine pilots’ broad knowledge with operational and academic competence and data from previous shore-based pilotage initiatives.

Trials of remote and shore-based navigation systems will be conducted, especially in Canada, to validate insights and protocols before widespread industry use.

Reference: IMPA

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