New pilots join Ports of Jersey

Tuesday 28 January 2020

Ports of Jersey has added two General Pilots to its team, following the completion of their training.

Donford Nicolas and Pierre Chays joined Ports of Jersey in June 2019 as Marine Operations Manager and Marine Safety Manager respectively and passed their General Pilot’s exam for St. Helier Harbour in July 2019.

Mr Nicolas (pictured right), who has previous experience in supply vessels and towage operations, took on a further period of practical training and assessment on various vessels. He now has responsibility for several vessels owned or operated by Ports of Jersey and took his place in the pilotage roster in October 2019. 

Mr Chays joined Ports of Jersey, with a background in Safety Management, and is now responsible for managing Ports of Jersey’s compliance within the Port Marine Safety Code.

Having completed more than 50 acts of pilotage under the guidance of other Jersey Pilots and undertaken a bespoke ship handling course, involving simulators and manned models at Southampton Solent University, he was awarded his Pilotage Certificate at the end of December 2019. 

Both will have to take another examination to extend their pilotage duties to cover Gorey by the summer of 2020    

Jersey’s General Pilots provide vital navigational advice and guidance to vessels visiting the island, on average between 300 and 400 times a year, as well as conducting annual assessments of the holders of Pilotage Exemption Certificates.

Congratulating the two officers on the successful completion of the pilotage, Jersey Harbourmaster, Bill Sadler, said: “Donford and Pierre have worked very hard and put exceptional effort into the rigorous training required to become licensed Jersey pilots and I very much welcome them to the team and look forward to working with them to ensure that our lifeline port  remains open, safe and secure”.