Mississippi river pilots are highly experienced professionals navigating vessels between Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and St. Louis, Missouri. They receive annual salaries that can range up to six figures, plus bonuses and other perks. In addition to their pay, pilots also receive medical and dental benefits, steady income and free licenses.
The Mississippi is the second longest river in the United States, stretching for 2,341 miles. It is a crucial shipping lane for cargo and remains vital to the economy of the central United States. The pilots have to navigate as many as four thousand vessels annually, safeguarding the flow of goods and commodities in a challenging and often dangerous situation.
Unlike captains of ships who often make shorter hauls, Mississippi river pilots are responsible for the safety of large vessels, while they traverse the entire length of the Mississippi river. Pilots work in shifts and can expect to work from 12-20 hours in a day, depending on the weather and the traffic. On their shifts, pilots are expected to maintain a sharp eye for obstructions, calculate currents for navigation and make sure to stay within the shipping lanes.
The amount of money a Mississippi river pilot makes depends on their years of experience and success in navigating the river. Those with the most seniority and experience can make well into the six figures annually. In addition, experienced pilots may receive bonuses of up to $20,000 depending on their performance and safety record.
As technology advances, so have the safety regulations. The constant upgrades have improved living and working conditions in the river. Those pilots who work directly with the shipping companies receive more benefits and a larger salary than those who are independent. The amount of pay also depends on the difficulty of the routes and the number of hours spent in the job.
Most Mississippi river pilots also have to be licensed and certified by the Coast Guard. This involves a long and intensive training process, designed to ensure the safety of the ships and the passengers. The certification tests require knowledge of the roadways, depth of the river and other shipping regulations. Pressure to remain qualified for the job motivates the pilots to hone the necessary skills of proper navigation.
Keeping the riverbeds from being damaged is also one of the jobs of the Mississippi river pilots. The erosion of the banks due to increased water levels, shifting channel depths, sandbars and eddies can cause serious damage to the riverbeds. The pilots prevent this by monitoring continuously and warning vessels to stay clear of such areas.
Educational Requirements
Mississippi river pilots must meet extraordinarily high educational requirements. Most pilots have a college degree in disciplines related to navigation, such as marine engineering, navigation, marine biology or civil engineering. Prior experience on the river is an added advantage and can help the pilots in achieving their goals more easily.
To better understand navigation, navigation systems, and vessel maintenance the potential pilot must attend Gulf Coast Region Maritime Academies in Mobile, AL, or Estuarine and Ocean Science Center in Lafayette, LA. In order to graduate from the academy, a student must complete all the requirements and pass the tests which evaluate their knowledge of navigation, law, knot tying, and engine maintenance.
In addition to courses, Mississippi river pilots must serve an apprenticeship period. The period varies with the pilot’s experience, and can range from six months to one year. Apprentices must also complete an oral exam with an approved senior pilot in order to fulfill the requirements of the apprenticeship and become a fully-fledged Mississippi River Pilot.
Exit Exam
The application process for a Mississippi River Pilot requires the individual to take an exit examination. The exam is designed to evaluate fundamental navigation and chart plotting techniques as well as navigation laws and regulations. The applicant is required to take the exam twice, once as an apprentice and once as a qualified pilot.
The exam is administered by the United States Coast Guard, and consists of two parts: navigation and navigation laws. Applicants are given two hours to complete the test, and are expected to demonstrate knowledge of navigation techniques, regulations, and procedures. Successful completion of the exam allows Mississippi River Pilot applicants to become licensed by the Coast Guard.
Applicants who do pass the exam may choose to fulfill the apprenticeship requirement with a shipping company or as an independent contractor. Working with a shipping company allows applicants to receive more support in learning navigation and vessel maintenance. However, contracts with such businesses also require applicants to abide by certain regulations that may prove challenging.
Working independently may offer greater freedom, but also requires additional dedication to practice and improve navigational skills. Additionally, lower pay and fewer benefits in comparison to those offered by shipping companies make it less attractive for Mississippi River Pilot applicants.
Living Conditions
Mississippi river pilots work very hard in one of the toughest and most dangerous jobs in the world. Additionally, the long hours, remote locations and extreme weather conditions can debilitating. Hence, it is essential to ensure that these pilots are well-compensated for their efforts.
Many pilots choose to reside in the port cities closest to their employment, such as St. Louis, MO or Baton Rouge, LA. As most travel in the river needs to be done in the early morning or at night, most pilots must adjust to living in those vancies in order to get to work on time. Other pilots may choose to travel back and forth between coasts and their hometowns, depending on the length of their routes.
Living near the river has its advantages. Many of these pilots have access to hotel discounts and other perks. Furthermore, as the wage range is high, pilots enjoy a comfortable lifestyle – though much of their income is invested in the upkeep and navigational tools of their job.
Challenges Faced by Mississippi River Pilots
Piloting the Mississippi is a difficult task. Pilots must be familiar with the river, terrain, and current conditions in order to safely traverse the river. Pilots must also depend on charts and maps to gain in-depth knowledge of the waters. Since the Mississippi changes constantly, pilots must continually scout for potential hazards and adjust their navigation accordingly.
Due to the needs of navigation in the river, pilots must make sure their vessels stay within the shipping lanes and keep watch for any potential obstacles. In addition, pilots are expected to regularly communicate with theriver’s Coast Guard station and report any incident or dangerous situation encountered along the way.
Navigating the Mississippi is therefore quite a challenge. Low visibility, changes in water levels, and sand bars impose certain difficulties. To successfully perform the job, Mississippi River Pilots must be highly skillful, knowledgeable and attentive.
The Future of Mississippi River Pilots
As navigation technology advances, Mississippi river pilots have adapted and are now more efficient at cruising the Mississippi. They have always been highly respected in their profession, and many large companies today seek the expertise and experience of seasoned Mississippi River pilots.
In the coming years, Mississippi River Pilots will continue to play an important role in the economy of the United States. The job will remain a prestigious one and will offer a decent pay and a sense of reward for performing such an important task.
The unique demands of the job provide potential pilots with the opportunity to become an integral part of maritime commerce and contribute to the safety of large vessels and vessels as they traverse the Mississippi River.
Public Perception of Mississippi River Pilots
Due to the difficulty and prestige of being a Mississippi river pilot, the job is often seen in a positive light by the public. Pilots are hailed as courageous and dedicated, and their contributions to the economy and wellbeing of passengers are well-recognized. Being a Mississippi River Pilot is seen as a valuable and esteemed job.
Pilots are also celebrated for their arduousworking conditions and contributions to safety. They are often praised for taking on long hours, navigating treacherous waters and doing their best to protect passengers from harm. The pilots’ responsibilities are taken seriously by the public, and their efforts are seen as invaluable.
In addition, Mississippi River Pilots are celebrated for their commitment to their craft. Their determination and expertise in navigating the river is highly appreciated by the public, and they often serve as an inspiration to others looking to take on a challenging and rewarding profession.
Recognition of Mississippi River Pilots
Due to their remarkable effort, Mississippi River Pilots are formally recognized by many organizations and businesses. The annual events of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) gives pilots the opportunity to showcase their skills and commitment. In addition, the United States Coast Guard holds events every year to honor and reward the efforts of these mariners.
The work of Mississippi River Pilots is also recognized by shipping companies throughout the United States. These organizations are closely associated with the efforts of the pilots, and openly praise their accomplishments. In addition, large companies often go out of their way to reward the skillful efforts of Mississippi River Pilots through awards, bonuses, and monetary incentives.
Furthermore, Mississippi River Pilots are also praised by professional organizations. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) regularly acknowledges pilots for their skillful navigation, as well as their efforts towards passenger safety. Additionally, the Mississippi River Pilot Association (MRPA) annually awards exemplary pilots for their efforts.
Conclusion
The job of Mississippi River Pilots is demanding and rewarding at the same time. These dedicated professionals spend long hours on the river, often in dangerous and unpredictable conditions. Despite the challenges, Mississippi River Pilots manage to provide exceptional navigational services, while also maintaining the safety of passengers and vessels.
Their efforts have been recognized by the public, businesses and organizations, who hold them in high esteem. For their outstanding service, Mississippi River Pilots receive annual salaries that can range up to six figures, plus bonuses and other perks.
