Our work

Pilotage Procedures and Techniques, Technology, Research and Innovation

The Centre is responsible for setting guidelines on key technical aspects of the piloting profession so as to improve operational safety and efficiency in Canada’s ports and waterways, and to ensure that Canada’s pilots and their local organizations continue to be world-leaders in pilotage innovation.

This includes developing best practices on pilotage procedures such as pilot transfers to and from vessels, developing position statements on emerging questions such as the conditions in which Marine Autonomous Surface Ships should operate in order to maintain existing safety levels, hosting seminars, and maintaining a database of CMPA Members with particular expertise on various technical questions.

The Centre will be holding a series of events across the country in 2022; come back here in the coming months to find out more!

Training and Accreditation

Canadian pilots play an important role in the accreditation process by providing the federal government with advice on the criteria that applicants must meet to be issued an initial pilot license, and by playing a central role on Boards of Examiners. Pilots also play an important role in the processes related to maintaining accreditation through comprehensive ongoing proficiency programs, particularly in respect of emerging technologies.

An essential characteristic of Canada’s pilotage system is that requirements to become a licensed pilot, as well as those regarding ongoing training, vary across the country in order to reflect local needs, realities and practices. The Centre facilitates the exchange of views between local pilot groups, and with government, on these matters and, in particular, on the question of the ongoing proficiency standards that should be maintained by pilots in light of the International Maritime Organization’s Recommendation A960(23) on training and certification and on operational procedures for maritime pilots other than deep-sea pilots.

The Centre is also interested in certifying specific competencies beyond those required to obtain and to maintain a license, and in providing training on issues of general professional interest to pilots, including on technical and legal matters. The Centre is also responsible for recommending appropriate measures to ensure that a stable pool of citizen candidates to become pilots remains available.

Professional Conduct and Bridge Practices

The Centre is responsible for reviewing the CMPA Code of Conduct, and for ensuring the Code remains up to date and fully reflects the standard of professionalism expected of pilots in the various aspects of their duties, both on and off the bridge of vessels.