Today on the Ship Report we continue our exploration of the largely unseen world of ship docking. Worldwide, thousands of vessels approach berths to load cargo, manned by teams of experts who work together to make it all happen expediently and safely. In the vast majority of cases, docking happens flawlessly. How do they do it?
Columbia River Pilot Mike Balensifer talks a lot about experience, knowing, and “feel.” When I interviewed him, I felt like I was asking a bird to explain “how do you fly?” It was clear that his experience, ability and good judgment are part of who he is as a pilot and as a person, and the process is not easily quantified.
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