FUNDAMENTAL elements of professional pilotage were focal points for the third Pacific Maritime Pilots Conference & Workshop, held in Nuku’alofa, Tonga between 3 and 6 August.
Hosted by the Pacific Pilots Training Group (PPTG) in conjunction with the Ports Authority of Tonga, the conference attracted pilots and maritime representatives from a broad range of Pacific nations, including Tonga, Western Samoa, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, American Samoa, and Wallis and Futuna.
The conference was structured around practical professional development for pilots rather than purely theoretical presentations.
The program focused on the three fundamental elements of professional pilotage: plan, execute and review. These principles were said to underpin modern pilotage planning. Developing skills such as effective master-pilot exchange (MPX), navigational execution supported by modern technology, and structured post-pilotage review and organisational learning.
The conference reinforced the pilot's role as a critical component of the wider maritime safety system.
PPTG is a not-for-profit organisation established by a small group of experienced New Zealand and Australian marine pilots who share practical knowledge, professional standards and specialist expertise with Pacific pilotage organisations, port authorities and regulators.
PPTG operates on a volunteer basis with support from commercial sponsors to run an annual training conference and workshop.
“The vision of the PPTG is to develop a maritime pilot training and education framework for Pacific Island nations,” spokesman Damian Laughlin (himself a marine pilot with Port Phillip Sea Pilots) said.
“The framework provides pacific island nations with their own forum, conference and training opportunities within and sustainable model.”
A consistent message during the 2026 conference was the importance of effective preparation before a pilotage starts. Port specific passage plans provide the foundation for a safe pilotage.
The conference reinforced the importance of moving beyond the simple completion of documentation towards an effective process in which the pilot and bridge team establish a shared understanding of the intended passage.
The involvement of the Pacific Pilot Training Group as subject-matter experts also provided Pacific delegates with access to current international best practice in pilotage.
Australian Transport Safety Bureau chief commissioner Angus Mitchell contributed his experience of accident investigation and the role of marine pilots within wider maritime safety systems.
Peter Dawson from Dawson & Associates, provided insights on aspects of maritime and pilotage law of relevance to marine pilots.
Another significant outcome from the Nuku’alofa event was the formal handover of a pilot boat gifted by Port of Auckland Ltd to the Ports Authority Tonga.
The handover was conducted during the conference's ceremonial dinner and involved representatives of the Port of Auckland handing over a symbolic model of the launch to his Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala. The launch is to arrive in Nuku Alofa later this year.
The provision of the pilot boat is said to represent “a tangible example of regional maritime cooperation”.
“It complements the professional training delivered through PPTG by supporting the practical infrastructure required to deliver a safe pilotage service,” Mr Laughlin said.
“Although Pacific ports operate in different regulatory, geographic and operational environments, many of the underlying pilotage challenges are common.
“The Tonga conference provided a forum for those challenges to be discussed openly and for participants to learn from the experience of neighbouring pilotage organisations.
“For Pacific ports, access to appropriate navigational technology can provide significant benefits, particularly where hydrographic resources, shore-based infrastructure or other navigational support systems may be limited.”
PPTG's portable pilot unit (PPU) up-cycling initiative, done with support from Port of Auckland and Navicom Dynamics is particularly relevant to this objective.
It provides an opportunity to extend the useful life of specialist equipment and make modern pilotage technology available to Pacific pilots and ports.
The introduction of the PPU must be accompanied by appropriate training. A PPU is only as effective as the pilot's ability to understand the information, limitations and appropriate application within the wider navigation process. David Hedgley from Navicom Dynamics provided training to the attendees.
PPTG with support from OMC International visit a port receiving the units and train in person as they are introduced throughout the year. More support is needed from industry witholder PPU units which can be repurposed in this regard.
“The PPTG initiative provides a structured mechanism for sharing the knowledge, systems and professional standards developed within the New Zealand and Australian pilotage environment,” Mr Laughlin said.
There are also reciprocal benefits. Engagement with Pacific pilots provides a greater understanding of the operational, geographical and resource challenges faced by neighbouring maritime administrations.
“The initiative supports broader regional maritime safety and strengthens professional relationships between New Zealand and Pacific pilotage organisations,” he said.
PPTG has committed to holding another conference in 2027 with Fiji firming to the be the host nation.
This conference will be proudly supported with existing sponsors Hart Marine, OMC International, Navicom Dynamics, Trelleborg Marine, DHI Seaport, Reid Technology, Damen and AD Navigation all showing strong interest to support the initiative in 2027.