Having successfully completed their training last year, Ports of Jersey has welcomed two new General Pilots to the roster in 2020; further strengthening the provision of qualified pilots able to operate in and around Jersey waters.
Donford Nicolas and Pierre Chays both joined Ports of Jersey in June 2019 as Marine Operations Manager and Marine Safety Manager respectively, passed their General Pilot’s examination for Saint Helier Harbour in July 2019. Following a further period of practical training and assessment on various vessels, Donford, who has previous experience in supply vessels and towage operations and who joined Ports of Jersey from Melbourne, Australia, also has responsibility for several vessels owned or operated by Ports of Jersey and took his place in the pilotage roster in October 2019.
Pierre Chays joined Ports of Jersey after a career involving both sea service on cruise vessels and shore postings in the finance industry and with a background in Safety Management 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.
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. Between the pilotage team, they provide a service 24 hours a day every day of the year, boarding vessels in most weather conditions using pilot boats LE FRET and RIVAL.
Congratulating the two officers on the successful completion of the pilotage, Jersey Harbourmaster, Bill Sadler, says: “Donford and Pierre have worked very hard and put exceptional effort into the rigorous training required to become licenced 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.”
Both Donford and Pierre will, following a further examination, extend their pilotage duties to cover Gorey by the summer of 2020
