Pregnancy

Does a pregnancy exclude from fitness as sea pilot?

Yes, for medical reasons, a pregnant sea pilot cannot be found fit for service as sea pilot. A sea pilot's duties pose risks for the sea pilot herself, for her unborn child as well as the safety of maritime navigation. Some of the risks can occur during the entire pregnancy others will usually emerge at certain stages of the pregnancy. In case of unfavourable medical complications and, depending on the location of the ship to be guided or the weather conditions (e.g. storm, high waves), it cannot always be guaranteed that the sea pilot would be able to perform her pilot's consultation, at least till a replacement can take over. An immediate transfer onshore might not be possible for several hours.