CONDOR FERRIES’ CHIEF OFFICERS SUCCESSFULLY PASS PILOTAGE TRAINING
Guernsey News, 8 February 2010 – Two of Condor Ferries’ most promising Chief Officers have successfully achieved their Special Pilot’s Licence in Guernsey.
Steve Crowe and Mark Thompson completed an extensive 3 week training course with Guernsey Harbours, culminating in a rigorous exam. The exam qualifies them to pilot the three Condor Ferries fast vessels into and out of St Peter Port harbour without the need for a Port of Guernsey pilot to come on board to help.
‘At Condor Ferries we always ensure that our Captains and a number of our Chief Officers undertake pilotage training in all of the ports into which they operate. We provide an all weather, year round service to the Channel Islands and this investment in training demonstrates our commitment to delivering a high quality reliable service with passenger and crew safety as our utmost concern,’ said Captain Stan Richard -dit- Leschery, Marine Safety Superintendent, Condor Ferries.
Guernsey Harbourmaster, Peter Gill said: ‘The profession of pilotage dates back to Ancient Greece and Rome, and to this day remains one of the most important in maritime safety. The journey in and out of harbour is the most challenging part of any ship’s voyage and it important that pilots are familiar with all the hazards, particularly local harbour procedures.’
Both Capt. Crowe (who has previously held command with other companies) and Mr. Thompson have successfully completed the equivalent course in Jersey.
‘There is no requirement for us to send our Captains or Chief Officers on these courses, as our vessels could embark a harbour pilot, but we feel it is essential,’ added Captain Richard-dit-Leschery. ‘To retain the Special Pilot’s Licence, the Chief Officers will have to perform a minimum number of entries and exits from Guernsey Harbour each year.’
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