Just because this is a Navy related story does not mean this deals with drinking at a bar. Come on guys there is more than one type of bar out there. This type of bar pilot actually helps the ship maneuver around dangerous sand bars and other obstacles in a harbor.

A pilot is a mariner who guides ships through dangerous or congested waters, such as harbors or river mouths. Legally the captain remains in command of the ship. The pilot is a senior adviser only. It is one of the oldest, least known professions and yet one of the most important in terms of maritime safety. The economic and environmental risk from today's large cargo ships makes the role of the pilot essential. It is also needed to protect those multi million dollar warships from running aground.

He will come on board just prior to the ship entering the area and will help guide the ship into port safely. He will then of course be one of the first people off the ship after it has arrived. He will also guide the ship out to sea when it is time for the departure. He will board the ship a few different ways. One way is by helicopter, the other is by a small ship. In some cases, because the ship needing a pilot is too large and with no helo pad, he will guide the ship into port with a small brightly colored boat.

We would normally pick up a pilot any time we entered a port we had never been to before, which for the Navy was a good deal of time. For our Suez Canal tour we had one pilot and 4 tag alongs. I think they just wanted to come on board to sell their “treasures” and eat navy chow. When entering our Home port and other Navy ports we came in by ourselves.