São Paulo Pilotage marks 93 years and highlights technological advances in navigational safety

Pilots bring the launch alongside the vessel and use a pilot ladder to board and assist the Master (Vanessa Rodrigues/AT)

In all weather conditions and 24 hours a day, pilots are always prepared to conduct vessel maneuvers. At the Ports of Santos, the largest and busiest port in Brazil, and São Sebastião, on the coast of the State of São Paulo, this responsibility lies with São Paulo Pilotage, which has been performing this role for more than nine decades. This Saturday (27), the organization celebrates its 93rd anniversary.

The date refers to June 27, 1933, when the then Minister of State for Navy Affairs, Admiral Protógenes Pereira Guimarães, signed Notice No. 2,195, establishing the Associação dos Práticos da Barra e Canal do Porto de Santos.

Pilots are responsible for advising Masters in the safe navigation of vessels through restricted and highly complex waters.

During maneuvers, unexpected environmental conditions may arise, such as winds exceeding operational limits, as well as emergencies including main engine failures, steering gear malfunctions, or onboard blackouts. All of this takes place in an environment surrounded by urban areas, beaches, environmental reserves, and intense maritime traffic.

São Paulo Pilotage states that it continuously invests in technology and infrastructure. Through its modern Traffic Coordination, Communications and Operations Center (C3OT), it monitors the navigation channel in real time.

"The result is greater operational efficiency, allowing increasingly larger vessels to access the ports while reducing the time required for ships to enter and leave the port complex", São Paulo Pilotage said in a statement.

Its state-of-the-art equipment places São Paulo Pilotage among the most advanced pilotage organizations in the world. Systems capable of monitoring currents, winds, and tides provide essential information for operational decision-making.

Even so, technology is only a support tool. The decisive factors remain the pilots' experience, technical expertise, and professional skill.

"We strive to stay one step ahead of the sector's ongoing transformation. Ships continue to evolve, and pilots keep pace through continuous training and the use of equipment that supports operational decision-making. Technology does not replace professional experience", said the organization's president, Fábio Mello Fontes.

Coordinated maneuvers

The increasing volume of port traffic requires ever more sophisticated solutions. Among them are the so-called coordinated maneuvers, performed with specialized vessels, in which the synchronization of every stage and precise speed control are essential. These are complex operations involving two large vessels operating simultaneously within a restricted area.

"Our mission is to ensure the highest level of operational safety through real-time monitoring and efficient maritime traffic management, preventing idle berths and minimizing waiting times for vessels before operations", said Fontes.

Figures

The Port of Santos has 63 pilots. On a typical daily rotation, 12 pilots are on duty, carrying out an average of 35 maneuvers. Each maneuver lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

A pilot must possess professional qualifications and maintain physical fitness. Before becoming a licensed pilot, candidates are required to complete an apprenticeship of approximately 18 months.

The qualification process includes several stages, including written, practical, and credentials examinations, as well as medical and physical fitness assessments.