Pilots

Of all of the work conducted at the Port, one group of people operated almost without notice. Harbor pilots today continuously guide large ships through the Port and rely on visual landmarks such as Warehouse No. 1. Ships entering and exiting the Port have historically required specialized "pilots" to navigate the narrow slips and numerous berths of the Port. Unlike the open ocean where a ship's direction can be changed with little concern, port navigation requires detailed knowledge and familiarity of each individual port. Landmarks and hazards on shore, buoys, beacons, lights, water changes and other challenges during the daylight hours can be even more problematic at night. The great number of ships plying the seas and visiting countless numbers of world ports prohibits most captains from acquiring these skills in their lifetime. A miscalculation in navigation within a port could be catastrophic for the ship, its cargo, the berth, and any other ships needing safe passage in the same area.

A number of Port of Los Angeles pilots are qualified to command any ship of any tonnage through the harbor. Ships that have a pilot on board who holds a valid Port of Los Angeles pilot's license are not required to use one of the Port of Los Angeles pilots. But, since most ship captains do not hold such licenses, a municipal pilot is assigned to the ship. Approaching ships are greeted at the entrance of the Port by a smaller boat carrying the pilot. The pilot will then board the ship and assist with the navigation to the selected berth. The knowledge and experience of the port pilot was (and continues to be) derived only from years of training and experience within the port. Pilots must be completely familiar with the ship's operation and ready to work at any time a ship arrives or departs, either day or night. This relatively anonymous work is often times considered the most exacting element of marine navigation.