Pilots in the dock

摘要

Maritime pilots are facing growing calls for increased liability for safe navigation in line with the general trend for rising liability for physical losses and pollution in shipping. Under most national legal systems pilots are protected against claims arising from failures unless they are found to have acted wilfully or with gross negligence. However, pilots' roles and responsibilities are coming under scrutiny as litigation against shipping increases, particularly in the US. The issue has been highlighted by the charging of Cosco Busan's pilot with violations that could lead to fines of up to $115,000 and a jail sentence of 18 months. The Synergy Maritime-owned box ship, operated by Hanjin Shipping, spilled 200 tonnes of bunkers when it collided with the San Francisco Bay Bridge on 7 November.