Pilots Reunion in Tampa

June 13th, 2007 by JCB
Posted in Coastlines | No Comments »

left to right, Captain Robert Holden retired Panama Canal pilot, Captain David Ingham retired Trinity House and Haven Ports pilot and Captain Donald Mercereau retired Sandy Hook New York pilot

Pilots meet up in Tampa

Whilst on holiday in Florida, Captain David Ingham, retired Trinity House and Havens pilot and currently Captain of the Felixstowe Master Mariners ‘ Club, attended the February luncheon of the Tampa Chapter of the American Master Mariners’ Association. This was held in the Columbia Restaurant in the historic Ybor district of Tampa. The meeting heard a talk given by the head of the St Petersburg division of the United States Coastguard. The talk detailed the responsibilities of the Coastguard in the 21st century regarding the fields of maritime safety, and Homeland Security post 9/11 along with drug and illegal immigrant smuggling and the certification of the various classes of small craft, which are numerous in this area. The meeting was informed about the new Transport Workers’ Identity Card (TWIC) card which will be mandatory for all persons employed in port areas within the USA.

Captain Ingham had the chance to chat with Master Mariners who had brought their ships to Felixstowe in the past. Similar concerns exist amongst mariners both in America and the UK concerning the enthusiasm by the authorities to use legislation to criminalise seafarers, particularly masters and pilots, after maritme mishaps.