Egypt demands over $1B in damages after Suez Canal blockage

Re:Egypt demands over $1B in damages after Suez Canal blockage by jasode on Sunday April 04, 2021 @06:58AM (#26688421)

>The captain of the ship relinquishes control to the pilots from the port authority

This isn't quite true and has to be worded carefully to explain how responsibility is assigned.

The ship is not allowed permission to come into port/harbor/canal without a local pilot on board. That's very different from relinquishing control to the local pilot.

The local pilot acts more like an advisor and guide for navigation but the ship's helmsman & captain still retain physical control of the ship's speed and steering.

From the reports I read of this specific Ever Given incident, the local guide pilot didn't command the helmsman to speed up to 13 knots. The ship's captain is still ultimately responsible for what happens.

Does that mean that even when I'm required to use the local pilot, he still can't be blamed for things going wrong?!? Yes, that's how it works. The ship has no choice of not accepting that deal if it wants access to that port.

EDIT : I found a video with a chief engineer from a cargo ship explaining maritime responsibility. Deep link: https://youtu.be/ltdHRdtEHE4?t=3m14s

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Egypt demands over $1B in damages after Suez Canal blockage by ClumsyPilot on Sunday April 04, 2021 @01:43PM (#26691398)

Thats sounds to me like this: if you want drive though my land, I am driving, but if i hit anyone you go to jail.

I dont know much about ships, but thanksfully on land law doesnt work that wY

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Egypt demands over $1B in damages after Suez Canal blockage by manquer on Sunday April 04, 2021 @06:38PM (#26693443)

Think of pilots like the air traffic controller in a airport

The pilots don't drive anything. they are only supposed to advice on local geography and weather etc.

Most experienced captains will basically ignore them and keep them in their cabins for the journey in crossing the suez.

The system is inherited from hundreds of years maritime practice, back in those days pilots were essential to maneuver through local complexities in geography and weather, and were bribed for better service/smuggling etc.

Giving bribes in ports is very old practice even the US navy got into hot water recently in Asia for it.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Egypt demands over $1B in damages after Suez Canal blockage by manojlds on Sunday April 04, 2021 @02:20PM (#26691655)

Isn't that Suez specific. Panama doesn't work this way (and given the complexity, can't work this way)

[ Parent | on HN ]