Members of Puget Sound Pilots are continually enhancing and expanding their skills to ensure the highest possible level of expertise. This training goes far beyond what is required by law.

Bridge Resource Management
When a pilot boards a vessel, he takes control of the ship and directs the actions of the ship's crew and support tugs. To make that partnership run as smoothly as possible, pilots learn the principles of Bridge Resource Management - how to effectively integrate the actions of the ship's crew and the attending tugs.

Electronic Chart Display/Automatic Identification Systems
This multi-day course covers the theory and practice of using a new technology, advanced in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, in which ships broadcast an electronic identification signal. The signal appears as a contact on a computerized map of the area, and when the pilots moves his cursor over that contact, it displays a data block showing the ship's identity, capabilities, speed, and course.

Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA)
In this five day course, pilots use commercial ARPA collision avoidance equipment with simulated land masses, environmental effects and vessels. Pilots in this course study ARPA theory and learn how to assess ARPA errors and limitations, how to set up and maintain ARPA displays, and how to use ARPA information to avoid close quarters situations.

Azipod/Kamewa
Today's modern cruise ships and oil tankers use specialized propulsion and control systems. Azipods are diesel-electric propulsion units and Kamewa is a control system that coordinates all of a vessel's propulsion and steering systems. Our pilots' continuing education includes ongoing hands-on training in these technologies.