PMO News Portal - Ali
Akbar Marzban, PMO board member and Deputy for Maritime Affairs, announced the
initiative at the closing ceremony of the Northern Pilots’ Conference in Gilan
Province. He stated that pilot professionals will be actively involved in
drafting the revised guideline, ensuring it reflects on-the-ground realities
and operational challenges.
Marzban emphasized the importance of such conferences in
facilitating knowledge exchange and updating technical skills. He described
marine pilots as essential to ensuring maritime safety and efficient vessel
movements.
Focus on Training and Knowledge Preservation
Marzban called for structured, continuous training programs
tailored for marine pilots, referring to them as vital assets to the maritime
sector. He also proposed the development of technical bulletins documenting
pilotage activities, which would serve as a valuable scientific archive for the
maritime community over time.
Nearly 40,000 Pilotage Operations Conducted Last Year
Speaking at the same event, Allah Morad Afifipour, Director
General for Maritime Affairs at PMO, highlighted the crucial role of pilots in
securing maritime trade routes. He noted that pilots are key to the safe entry
and exit of vessels in Iranian ports.
Afifipour reported that nearly 40,000 pilotage operations
were carried out in Iranian waters last year, all completed without
incident—thanks to the expertise of Iranian pilots.
He added that approximately 85% of the country’s marine
pilots are based in the southern ports, with 15% operating in the north. The
PMO is also developing dedicated national training resources using local
expertise and pilot experience.