Unit 7 - Manoeuvring vessels in harbours and their approaches

This unit covers all aspects of manoeuvring within the pilotage district, and includes position fixing, manoeuvring in shallow or restricted waters, using tugs and the skills involved in arriving at or departing from a berth or mooring.

Whilst a vessel is manoeuvring, external factors may move the vessel in a direction other than that which is intended. The early detection of this movement, and the actions required to compensate for it, are essential and fundamental. The ability to manoeuvre a vessel successfully depends largely on the pilot’s spatial awareness. This is improved over time through practical experience and repetition, but a natural ability must initially be apparent.