In busy ports, patrol boats play a vital role in pilotage. Pilotage is the professional act of guiding vessels safely into and out of the port or shifting berths within the port. Due to the complex conditions of port waters, including hazards such as shoals, reefs, and narrow channels, and the unfamiliarity of foreign vessels with the port environment, professional pilots are essential.
The patrol boat transports the pilot to the arriving vessel. After familiarizing themselves with the port's layout, the pilot, relying on their professional skills and experience, guides the vessel safely through the complex waters to its designated berth. Similarly, when a vessel departs, the pilot reaches the vessel via the patrol boat and guides it safely out of the port. Pilotage is crucial for ensuring the normal operation of the port, improving shipping efficiency, and ensuring safe navigation, and patrol boats are the essential means of transportation for these tasks.
