Nautical Term: Pilot boat
Definition of Pilot boat
A pilot boat is a vessel, powered by engines or sails, that is specifically designed to transport marine pilots to and from larger ships as they enter or leave a port. For instance, in a busy harbor, a cargo ship may require the assistance of a local pilot to navigate the ship safely through the narrow channels and around the hazardous shoals. In such situations, the cargo ship would send out a request for a pilot, and the pilot boat, which may be stationed nearby or dispatched from a pilot station, would quickly respond to the request and transport the pilot to the cargo ship. Once the pilot has safely guided the cargo ship through the harbor, the pilot boat would return to transport the pilot back to the pilot boat or pilot station, completing the cycle of pilot transfer and ensuring the safe and efficient navigation of ships in and out of ports.
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