As has been reported in this journal the Danish Maritime Authority has put a bill before the Parliament on opening competition in piloting.
However well intended, competition in maritime piloting is not in the best interests of The Public Trust and is not comparable to competition in the other transportation sectors, aviation, rail and road.The Danish Maritime Authority is not done, however, as they have now submitted a proposal to commence a study on SBP (Shore Based Piloting) in Denmark.
Once again, however well intended, this will not move safety forward in Denmark and is not comparable to the aviation model. There is neither time nor space in this short opinion piece to go into the intricate details but bringing in SBP would require a complete rethink/rewrite of the maritime model that has been used worldwide for centuries with very excellent safety results, especially the last few decades. The question remains why change a system that has worked so well for so long? What benefit comes to the public to which we in marine transportation are ultimately responsible?
We would encourage are colleagues at The Danish Maritime Authority to seek vigorous dialog and debate on this issue with those experts in international marine transportation who could wisely guide through the rocks and shoals of marine transportation safety. In fact, my professional colleagues, individuals who have spent their lives on the sea, would surely agree with me on this subject.The question remains for the Danish Parliament to decide.
To more arrivals than departures-
However well intended, competition in maritime piloting is not in the best interests of The Public Trust and is not comparable to competition in the other transportation sectors, aviation, rail and road.The Danish Maritime Authority is not done, however, as they have now submitted a proposal to commence a study on SBP (Shore Based Piloting) in Denmark.
Once again, however well intended, this will not move safety forward in Denmark and is not comparable to the aviation model. There is neither time nor space in this short opinion piece to go into the intricate details but bringing in SBP would require a complete rethink/rewrite of the maritime model that has been used worldwide for centuries with very excellent safety results, especially the last few decades. The question remains why change a system that has worked so well for so long? What benefit comes to the public to which we in marine transportation are ultimately responsible?
We would encourage are colleagues at The Danish Maritime Authority to seek vigorous dialog and debate on this issue with those experts in international marine transportation who could wisely guide through the rocks and shoals of marine transportation safety. In fact, my professional colleagues, individuals who have spent their lives on the sea, would surely agree with me on this subject.The question remains for the Danish Parliament to decide.
To more arrivals than departures-