Harbour pilot Ryan McLean is preparing to guide the Oasis of the Seas, one of the largest cruise ships, into Saint John. This ship will bring a record-breaking number of passengers, 5,931, to the city. Although Saint John receives around 80 cruise ships annually, the Oasis stands out for its size. McLean emphasizes the importance of precise positioning, slow berthing, and gentle handling due to the ship’s massive dimensions, as reported by CBC.
Fog, storms, and –49 C windchill
Harbour pilots in Saint John face the challenge of guiding large ships through the port’s difficult conditions, including high tides and unpredictable currents. The toughest part is the transfer, where the pilot boards the arriving ship at a designated location in open water. Using a rope ladder, often nine meters above the water, the pilot climbs from the pilot boat onto the ship and takes command on the bridge. After safely berthing the ship, the pilot awaits the next call, sometimes handling multiple transfers in a day. This demanding job requires quick thinking, fast decision-making, and the ability to navigate rough conditions. Harbour pilots in Saint John, like Ryan McLean, work tirelessly throughout the year, facing storms, fog, and extreme weather conditions.
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Source: CBC
