Docking Pilot Onboarding Checklist

Docking Pilot Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Docking Pilot starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Maritime onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Docking Pilot, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Docking Pilot onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Docking Pilot Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new docking pilot attends an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the company’s policies, procedures, and safety protocols. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated onboarding specialist.

2. Introduction to the Team: The new docking pilot is introduced to their immediate team members, including fellow pilots, crew members, and supervisors. This task is usually facilitated by the team leader or supervisor.

3. Familiarization with Vessel Types: The new docking pilot undergoes training to become familiar with different types of vessels they will be working with, such as container ships, tankers, or cruise ships. This training is typically conducted by experienced docking pilots or trainers.

4. Understanding Port Regulations: The new docking pilot learns about the specific regulations and guidelines governing the ports they will be operating in. This task may involve studying local port authority regulations, attending training sessions, or shadowing experienced pilots.

5. Navigation and Charting: The new docking pilot receives training on navigation systems, charts, and electronic aids used for safe maneuvering of vessels. This task is usually performed by experienced docking pilots or navigation experts within the company.

6. Emergency Procedures: The new docking pilot undergoes training on emergency procedures, including fire safety, evacuation protocols, and response to potential accidents or incidents. This training is typically conducted by safety officers or designated trainers.

7. Communication Protocols: The new docking pilot learns about the communication protocols used within the company and with external stakeholders, such as port authorities, vessel captains, and tugboat operators. This task may involve training sessions, role-playing exercises, or shadowing experienced pilots.

8. Simulator Training: The new docking pilot undergoes simulator training to practice various docking scenarios, including challenging weather conditions, restricted maneuvering areas, or emergency situations. This training is typically conducted by experienced docking pilots or specialized simulator trainers.

9. Onboard Training: The new docking pilot goes on board vessels under the supervision of experienced pilots to gain practical experience and learn about specific vessel handling techniques. This task is performed by experienced docking pilots who act as mentors or trainers.

10. Performance Evaluation: The new docking pilot undergoes periodic performance evaluations to assess their progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure compliance with company standards. This task is typically performed by supervisors or senior docking pilots.

11. Continuing Education: The new docking pilot is encouraged to participate in ongoing professional development activities, such as attending industry conferences, workshops, or specialized training programs. This task may involve guidance from the company’s training department or recommendations from senior pilots.

12. Familiarization with Company Policies: The new docking pilot becomes acquainted with the company’s policies related to safety, environmental protection, ethics, and other relevant areas. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated onboarding specialist.

13. Equipment Familiarization: The new docking pilot receives training on the use and maintenance of specialized equipment used in docking operations, such as mooring lines, fenders, winches, or pilot ladders. This task may involve hands-on training, demonstrations, or guidance from experienced docking pilots or equipment specialists.

14. Documentation and Reporting: The new docking pilot learns about the documentation and reporting requirements associated with their role, including logbooks, incident reports, and communication records. This task may involve training sessions, reviewing sample documents, or guidance from supervisors or administrative staff.

15. Cultural Sensitivity Training: The new docking pilot undergoes training to develop cultural sensitivity and awareness, particularly when working with international crews or operating in diverse port environments. This task may involve workshops, case studies, or guidance from experienced docking pilots or cultural experts within the company.

16. Health and Safety Training: The new docking pilot receives training on health and safety protocols, including personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, risk assessment, and prevention of occupational hazards. This task is typically performed by safety officers or designated trainers.

17. Introduction to Company Values: The new docking pilot learns about the company’s mission, vision, and values, understanding the organization’s culture and expectations. This task may involve presentations, discussions, or guidance from senior management or human resources personnel.

18. Introduction to Port Services: The new docking pilot is introduced to the various port services available, such as tugboat assistance, pilotage services, mooring operations, and emergency response teams. This task may involve presentations, site visits, or guidance from port authority representatives or experienced docking pilots.

19. Familiarization with Local Regulations: The new docking pilot learns about the specific regulations and requirements imposed by local authorities, including customs, immigration, and port security procedures. This task may involve studying local regulations, attending training sessions, or guidance from experienced docking pilots or regulatory experts.

20. Introduction to Company Software and Systems: The new docking pilot receives training on the company’s software and systems used for navigation, communication, reporting, and administrative tasks. This task may involve hands-on training, demonstrations, or guidance from IT specialists or designated trainers

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Docking Pilot checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Docking Pilot up to speed and working well in your Maritime team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.