Brisbane Marine Pilots Train at MSI-Newport

Stephen Cummings and David Harris of the Brisbane Marine Pilots attended an Emergency Shiphandling course conducted September 13-17, 2004, at MarineSafety International's simulator training complex in Newport, RI. Topics covered included ship maneuvering in narrow channels and docking operations in tight quarters under difficult circumstances of wind and current. The pilots were also able to practice procedures for employing escort tugs using a computer model of the port of Brisbane, Australia. A new passenger terminal is being constructed in Brisbane, so procedures were developed and practiced for escorting and docking passengers ships. The course is designed around improving preparedness for emergency situations such as equipment failures, disrupted communications, human error, distractions and other unexpected events. The program can be tailored to the specific requirements of the pilot association, shipping company, port, or terminal.