Pilotage Management Practices and Maritime Risks in Seaports: An Overview of Pilotage Services in Nigerian Ports

Abstract

The study examined pilotage management practices and maritime risks in seaports : an overview of pilotage services in Nigerian ports. The objective of the study is to understand the importance of pilotage services in curtailing maritime risks in seaports, especially in Nigerian ports. The methods of research adopted by the study are exploratory and theoretical research which assisted in unraveling the findings of previous studies. It is discovered that pilotage management practices are fundamental to port operations to ensure safety, efficiency and competitiveness. Pilotage services are mandatory in international maritime logistics with emphasis on national sovereignty and navigational safety. It is recommended that administrators (Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA and Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA) of ports in Nigeria should ensure that pilotage services are deployed as components of port operations. The government should equip the seaports with modern pilotage facilities and trained manpower on pilotage management practices, among others.