‘The Life and Times of a Ship’s Pilot’, was an entertaining and informative talk about maritime pilotage. The wide range of vessels a single pilot needs to bring safely into harbour is staggering; from Tall Ships to military craft; small tramp freighters to colossal cruise-liners. Captain Wells took us behind the “green baize door” leading to the ship’s bridge and nerve centre, to understand how the boats are handled and docked.
This talk was interspersed with many humorous personal anecdotes, reflecting Captain Wells’ 49-year career as a Thames River pilot and beyond.
13th February 2020