Talk and trust before technology: First steps toward shore-based pilotage

Many instances discuss shore-based pilotage (SBP) as if it was only a question of putting technology to work. "The technology exists", we are told. The Swedish Maritime Authority commissioned a "pilot study" to clarify definitions, technical and operational limitations, and to suggest a way forward regarding testing and simulations. Here, some of the results of the study are presented. It is for instance clear that in the minds of today's pilots and VTS operators, technology is not a central aspect of their work. Communication and trust are two issues that both seen as far more important, and they are presented and discussed. © 2009: The Royal Institution of Naval Architects.