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Currently, forty dedicated individuals serve to pilot, or guide, ships in and out of the port city. Their charter can be simply stated: safe and efficient movement for those afloat and protection of the environment. In actuality, the responsibility is enormous. On any given day, approximately 1 - 20 craft crowd the waters. It's a curious mix. Military, commercial, tourist and fishing vessels command serious attention. The unique configuration of Kaohsiung Harbor must also be reckoned with. The natural but narrow entrance formed by Chihchin Island and Longevity Mountain is picturesque but it doesn't provide much leeway. Further complicating the issue is that fact that neither the ship's cargo nor the ship's systems can be inspected. The potential for explosion or collision is all too often present, endangering crew and families ashore. Considering that it would take months, rather than hours, to recover from a serious accident, the harbor could be blocked for a long time putting the economy at risk. In fact, Keelung is still coping with a tanker incident that happened four years ago.
For the moment, Pilot Ding is focused on the task at hand....meeting the "MV" OOCL American which has arrived from the United States. Aboard his pilot boat, he moves swiftly to station. He scales the rope ladder dangling alongside the hulking bow up to the main deck. Finally, he climbs onto the bridge where he takes the helm. His actions are instinctive, testimony to an extensive background. He does admit it takes time to become familiar with the different types of ships. "A ship is like a woman. No two are the same. Some large, some small, and each one has a distinct personality. I just look at the ship's name and her shape. Chances are we've met before. I know how she'll respond. It helps make the job easier."Weather conditions are fickle, too. Imagine the strength it takes to muster rope ladders blowing in gale force winds as the waves tickle your toes. The job requires talents that few posses. This year, 26 applicants took the pilot exam. Only 2 made the grade. "It may seem harsh, but actually it's best in terms of training. We're able to work one-on-one to bring our newest partners up to speed". There's much to learn. Hydrology, navigation, systems management, and on and on. In spite of his senior rank, Master Pilot Ding regards his comrades as equals. They work together as a team, and a successful mission is anchored on mutual respect under complete direction of the pilot in charge. There's no room for consensus. Action must be swift to avoid tragedy.
Today's mission is a success. The ship did not capsize, there was no explosion on board, the berthing was clean and contained, and the environment was saved from toxic spill. Communication was a contributing factor. "Everyday we face different languages, cultures and attitudes. Sometimes we need a translator. But that can be risky. Critical messages require split second reaction. If time is lost in interpreting, it may be too late. We could run aground, or worse!" Three years ago, Ding organized the Kaohsiung Interpreter's Society to provide opportunities for language practice. Presentation is not limited to English; participation is open to anyone eager to develop communication skills for on the job purposes.
Harbor pilots also tackle problems ashore. The most pressing issue to date involves owners of commercial shipping companies. They have proposed a change in regulations, which would allow private hire of pilots who in turn would be obligated to the needs of the company. This would create unhealthy competition as well as jeopardize port safety. Presently, all eighty of Taiwan's pilots are organized under the International Marine Pilot Association (IMPA) and are governed by the "Pilots Act". They are firm when it comes to safety, yet flexible when it comes to ships' schedules. (Compared to others, Kaohsiung's harbor pilots are available at a moment's notice. In Singapore, pilots require four hour advance notice; two hours in Los Angeles) In May 2000, Pilot Ding represented Taiwan together with 400+ harbor pilots worldwide. Changes in regulation were discussed, as well as programs to educate the public on the nature of the pilot's profession.
The day ends late. The sunset casts a nostalgic mood upon the Straits and Pilot Ding is free to reflect. He recalls ancient Chinese ships that once sailed all the way to Africa during the Ming Dynasty. He remembers Kaohsiung's first harbor pilot, Mr. Wen, now in his 90's, and imagines what his days were like. The bonds are strong among the unique breed of harbor pilots. The work is demanding. But, there's always time to remember.