Water pilots off to discuss issues at internal conference

PNG Ports Ltd is sending two marine pilots to attend the Australasian marine pilots’ conference in Sydney, Australia, this week.
Capt George Manary and Capt Mathew Kollam will join others at the conference to discuss issues such as the shipping industry, challenges for the pilotage industry in the age of big data, shifting landscape of liability in pilotage, risk assessment versus due diligence in marine pilotage, pathway to highly reliable pilotage and port operations, piloting cruise ships in high traffic density, electronic master pilot exchange and various other subjects.
“In a broader sense, the conference provides opportunities for our pilots and other industry players to network and interact with a view to prospecting and establishing opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships and alliances,” acting managing director Fego Kiniafa said.
“During the structured conference session times, participants will hear from a number of high-profile and influential marine and education experts.”
PNG Ports’ marine services division operates 15 pilot boats servicing the Port Moresby Motukea coastal and international port, Lae coastal and international port, Rabaul, Kimbe, Alotau and Madang ports.
PNG Ports is contracted by the PNG LNG project to provide pilotage, line-handling and surveillance services at its Caution Bay LNG plant outside Port Moresby.
It employees 23 pilots who have vast experience in the industry.