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Considering
the amount of tonnage handled by the Port of Lake
Charles, (ranked 11th in the country), and related
industries, the Calcasieu Ship Channel has one
of the finest safety records in the United States.
Safety Record
There
has never been an accident on the Channel that
was specifically attributed to pilot error or
negligence.
Accidents can happen:
• Structural integrity failure
• Ships have lost steering and power
• Foreign ship crew under estimated heights
of ship
Consequences
of a Major Accident . . .
What
would happen if 500,000 barrels of oil dropped
in the
Calcasieu Ship Channel ?
•
Economy would be devastated
• Jobs would be lost
• Industry suffers/moves operation
• Home values drop
• LC Pilot’s have no job
WE
CAN'T AFFORD A MISTAKE!
LC Pilot Qualifications:
•
Must be a graduate of a Maritime College
• Must possess five years experience in
a position of Command
(a long process in itself)
• Will apprentice for at least 12 months (as
long as 24 months)
with only 4 days off per month
• Must train under a commissioned pilot
• Will be specifically trained on the Calcasieu
Ship Channel
• Apprentice will make over 350 one-way
trips on a variety of ships
• Must pass a practical exam
• Must go before the River Port Pilot Commission
to obtain his or
her state commission
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