The Hamburg Harbour Pilots’ Association -
highly skilled, dedicated, professional and reliable ...
Master Mariners
On 1st July 1981, the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg and the harbour pilots took the important step of
setting up a public corporation. Freed up from the constraints of the civil service, we can now meet our clients’ constantly changing operational requirements. Every vessel which needs a pilot can take advantage of our flexible systems: our pilots are available in all weathers, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The Harbour Pilots’ Association provides a framework for the activities of its members, who are all experienced captains with the highest professional mariners’ endorsement. Since 1981, the Association has become very pro-active, so it can not only cope with changes caused by the business or political environment, but it can also as far as possible keep one step ahead of them.
"Let's make it better before the competitors do!"
In 2001 the Harbour Pilots’ Association cleared the way for further rationalisation by negotiating with the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg a new and forward-looking tariff agreement, which is also to the benefit of our clients.
Specialists
The harbour pilots are always working on – and with – the latest technology.
They use their experience and skill within the narrow confines of the port area, stopping, turning, manoeuvring sideways and backwards, in order to bring vessels to the dock. They have to be able to communicate quickly and clearly with all the other vessels, both large and small. A highly-trained harbour pilot who is a true master of his trade is indispensable for the safe management of traffic and manoeuvres within both the harbour approach and port area.
These harbour pilots act as a bridge between seamanship and ship technology, between vessel and land, linking everyone who is a part of the harbour traffic.
Women are very welcome to join one of the last traditionally all-male professions.
No change, no chance!