Boston’s Pilot Boat Captains

Bradley Jay Fills in on NightSideWhat is a harbor pilot? A harbor pilot is a mariner responsible for the navigation and maneuvering of vessels, particularly in congested or challenging waters such as harbors, rivers, and canals. When a big container ship, cruise ship, or tanker comes into Boston Harbor, the law says that a licensed Boston Harbor pilot must guide the ship through the harbor. Somebody must get that pilot to the ship so they can bring it in or go pick the pilot up after they have gotten the ship out of the harbor. That's where the Boston Pilot boat captains come in. They deliver and retrieve the pilots. Captain Shawn Kelly of Boston Pilots joined Bradley to share the details of their high-risk life on the harbor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.