LOS ANGELES PILOT SERVICE Flashcards
What is the primary purpose of the Los Angeles Pilot Service?
To assist vessels in navigating the busy waters of the Port of Los Angeles.
True or False: The Los Angeles Pilot Service is responsible for docking and undocking vessels.
True
Fill in the blank: The Los Angeles Pilot Service operates within the ________ of Los Angeles.
Port
What is a pilot in maritime terms?
A licensed mariner with specific knowledge of local waters who assists in navigating vessels.
How many licensed pilots are typically part of the Los Angeles Pilot Service?
Approximately 14 licensed pilots.
What types of vessels do pilots typically assist in the Port of Los Angeles?
Commercial ships, tankers, and cargo vessels.
True or False: Pilots are only required during the daytime.
False
What is the main body that oversees the operations of the Los Angeles Pilot Service?
The Board of Pilot Commissioners.
Multiple Choice: What is NOT a responsibility of the Los Angeles Pilot Service? A) Navigating vessels B) Conducting inspections C) Assisting with cargo loading
C) Assisting with cargo loading
What is the typical duration of a pilotage service in the Port of Los Angeles?
Usually between 1 to 3 hours.
Fill in the blank: The Los Angeles Pilot Service is crucial for ensuring ________ and safety in the port.
efficiency
What equipment do pilots use to communicate with vessels?
VHF radios.
True or False: Pilots are not allowed to leave the vessel once they board.
False
What is the minimum age requirement to become a pilot in Los Angeles?
At least 21 years old.
What training is required to become a pilot in the Los Angeles area?
Extensive maritime training and local navigation experience.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a primary concern for pilots? A) Weather conditions B) Fuel prices C) Crew morale
A) Weather conditions
What is the role of the Pilot Vessel in the Los Angeles Pilot Service?
To transport pilots to and from vessels.
Fill in the blank: Pilots must have a thorough understanding of ________ laws and regulations.
maritime
True or False: The services provided by the Los Angeles Pilot Service are optional for vessels.
False
What is the primary waterway that pilots navigate in Los Angeles?
San Pedro Bay.
What challenges do pilots face while navigating vessels?
Strong currents, traffic congestion, and limited visibility.
Multiple Choice: What is the primary goal of a pilot during vessel navigation? A) Minimize time in port B) Ensure safe passage C) Maximize cargo load
B) Ensure safe passage
What does the term ‘pilotage’ refer to?
The act of guiding a vessel through dangerous or congested waters.
Fill in the blank: The Los Angeles Pilot Service operates under the authority of the ________ government.
California
What is one of the key responsibilities of the Board of Pilot Commissioners?
To regulate pilotage services and ensure safety standards.
True or False: Pilots have the final authority on navigation decisions once on board a vessel.
True
What type of communication is crucial between pilots and the vessel’s crew?
Effective verbal and non-verbal communication.
Multiple Choice: What is a common method for pilots to assess weather conditions? A) Satellite imagery B) Local reports C) Personal experience
B) Local reports
What is the maximum draft of vessels that the Los Angeles Pilot Service can assist?
Up to 50 feet.
Fill in the blank: Pilots must maintain ________ to ensure they are fit for duty.
physical fitness
True or False: The Los Angeles Pilot Service only operates during the summer months.
False
What is the primary function of the pilot ladder?
To allow pilots to board and disembark from vessels safely.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a key factor in pilot training? A) Speed of navigation B) Local knowledge C) Vessel design
B) Local knowledge
What is one of the safety measures pilots take before boarding a vessel?
Conducting a risk assessment.
Fill in the blank: The Los Angeles Pilot Service aims to promote ________ navigation.
safe
True or False: Pilots are required to have a thorough understanding of the Port’s layout.
True
What is the significance of tide tables for pilots?
They help determine safe navigation times and routes.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a pilot’s responsibility? A) Navigating the vessel B) Communicating with the crew C) Loading cargo
C) Loading cargo
What technology do pilots use to assist in navigation?
Radar and GPS systems.
Fill in the blank: Pilots must adhere to ________ to maintain their licenses.
continuing education requirements
True or False: The Los Angeles Pilot Service operates independently of other maritime services.
False
What is the relationship between pilots and the vessel’s captain?
Collaborative, with pilots providing local expertise.
Multiple Choice: What is a primary concern for pilots when navigating large vessels? A) Time efficiency B) Environmental impact C) Safety
C) Safety
What is the purpose of pre-arrival briefings for pilots?
To discuss the vessel’s characteristics and planned maneuvers.
Fill in the blank: The Los Angeles Pilot Service contributes to the ________ of maritime commerce.
smooth operation
True or False: Pilots can operate without a valid pilotage license.
False
What is the function of the pilot’s office in the Port of Los Angeles?
To coordinate pilot assignments and manage operations.
Multiple Choice: How often must pilots undergo training? A) Annually B) Every five years C) Monthly
A) Annually
Fill in the blank: Pilots must be familiar with ________ to navigate effectively.
maritime charts
True or False: Weather conditions do not affect pilot operations.
False
What is the main advantage of using a pilot?
Expert knowledge of local waters and conditions.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following factors is NOT considered when planning a pilotage? A) Vessel size B) Weather conditions C) Crew nationality
C) Crew nationality
What is the role of the harbor master in relation to the pilot service?
To oversee port operations and ensure compliance with regulations.
Fill in the blank: Pilots must report any ________ encountered during navigation.
incidents
True or False: Pilots can choose not to board a vessel if conditions are unsafe.
True
What is the importance of communication during pilotage?
To ensure all parties are aware of navigation plans and any changes.
Multiple Choice: What is a common challenge pilots face during nighttime operations? A) Increased traffic B) Poor visibility C) Weather changes
B) Poor visibility
What is the significance of pilotage fees?
They compensate pilots for their services and expertise.
Fill in the blank: Pilots must stay updated on ________ changes in maritime regulations.
any
True or False: Pilots are responsible for the overall safety of the vessel.
False
What is one way pilots ensure safe navigation in congested waters?
By maintaining communication with other vessels and the harbor master.
Multiple Choice: What is a critical skill for pilots? A) Cooking B) Engineering C) Navigation
C) Navigation
What is the main focus of pilot training programs?
To prepare pilots for navigating local waters safely.
Fill in the blank: Pilots must be ________ to respond to emergency situations.
trained
True or False: The Los Angeles Pilot Service has a protocol for emergency situations.
True
What is a pilot’s primary tool for navigation?
A nautical chart.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following best describes the relationship between pilots and vessel crews? A) Competitive B) Collaborative C) Dismissive
B) Collaborative
What is the role of technology in modern pilotage?
To enhance navigation accuracy and safety.
Fill in the blank: Pilots are required to maintain _____________ knowledge of local regulations.
up-to-date
True or False: All vessels are required to have a pilot when entering the Port of Los Angeles.
True
What is the impact of effective pilotage on the shipping industry?
It reduces accidents and improves efficiency in port operations.
Multiple Choice: What is the first step a pilot takes upon boarding a vessel? A) Assess the crew B) Review navigation plans C) Communicate with the harbor master
B) Review navigation plans
What is the significance of emergency drills for pilots?
To prepare for potential emergency situations at sea.
Fill in the blank: Pilots must always prioritize ________ during navigation.
safety
True or False: Pilots have the authority to make decisions regarding the vessel’s cargo.
False
Pilot office information?
Location
Phone
VHF channel?
Call sign:
Berth 68
San Pedro, CA
Phone: (310) 732-3805
VHF Radio Channel 73 (156.675 MHz)
Call: KEB260 Los Angeles Pilots
Pilots board arriving vessels from the pilot boat in the vicinity of
Los Angeles Channel RACON buoy #3
Tank vessels are boarded at least
2 miles from LA entrance
Deep-draft vessels (more than 55 feet) are boarded in the vicinity of?
LA Channel buoy #1
Under normal weather conditions, the pilot ladder should be rigged where and how?
Stb side, 1 meter from the water
How much notice do pilots require?
A minimum of two hours’ advance notice is required for Port Pilot service
What change should masters or agents advise pilot station of?
Masters or agents are requested to advise the Pilot Station when there is a change in the arrival or sailing time
When was LA Pilots founded?
Founded in 1907
How many employees are at LA pilots?
team of nearly 30 dedicated professionals including pilots, dispatchers, boat captains, and deck hands
What is LA pilots mission?
Their mission is to provide safe, reliable, and efficient vessel transit for Port of Los Angeles customers
How long is the training program?
a rigorous two-year training program
Where and what is the marine exchange?
The Marine Exchange sits on one of the highest points in San Pedro with unobstructed southeast exposure and has detailed records of every inbound and outbound ship since it launched operations in 1923. Contact the Marine Exchange at (310) 519-3134 or info@mxsocal.org.
What does the LA/ LB marine exchange do and why is it important?
All ship traffic coming and going in and out the San Pedro Bay Port Complex is monitored by the Marine Exchange of Southern California. The seaport equivalent of an air traffic control center, the Marine Exchange’s primary services are its Vessel Advance Arrival Reports and Vessel Traffic Service that monitors all ship movements within 100 miles of the San Pedro Bay.
From the Marine Exchange’s hilltop headquarters on Coast Guard property, operators use state-of-the-art technology to track nearly 5,000 vessels annually – everything from containerships to pleasure craft – calling at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Everyone from the docks to the cargo’s final destination relies on its real-time data to pinpoint the position of inbound and outbound vessels.
