THE AMPI Regional Ports & Pilotage Conference got underway with a Sunday evening welcome event at Frangipani Plaza, Darwin Convention Centre.
Guests and delegates networked over drinks, with entertainment including music as well as a snake and a juvenile crocodile, brought along by a wildlife expert.
The conference has attracted marine pilots from across Australia and as far afield as Germany, as well as a number of industry figures.
Formal sessions run across Monday and Tuesday, with a gala dinner on the Monday night at Mindil Beach Casino one of several highlights.
The event concludes with a tour of Darwin Port on Wednesday.