Pilots and maritime authorities

Most cases of marine pollution have resulted from accidents in coastal waters where local shore-based operations or services played a part in maritime safety.

A number of such cases have been attributed to pilot error; some have called into question the safety of a port or its approaches; others have involved criticism of acts or omissions by coastal state authorities in response to the incident.

Various possible claims of this nature are examined in Chapter 18 of Shipping and the Environment, ‘Pilots and Maritime Authorities’.

Return to incidents.