Being a pilot

As far as I understand, all big ships (especially cruise ships) are legally obliged to use a pilot, both when entering and leaving a port.

This means that the pilot must be brought to or fetched from the ship with a pilot's boat, depending on whether the ship is leaving or entering port.

I am always fascinated by this process, as one has a bird's eye view of this rigmarole from the top of the cruise ship. Sometimes it can be hairy when it is rough, and both the pilot as well as the pilot's boat captain must know their story.

Pilot boat approaching in order to collect pilot from the ship

Slowly maneuvering alongside and establishing a similar speed as the ship 

the Pilot's Boat captain

Keeping it steady! Note the design of the deck with the grab ails on the inside as opposed to the outside - this is to assist the pilot in safely embarking / disembarking the Pilot's boat 

And on she jumps!

Using the grab rails to enter the cabin from the back

Quick wave for the crowd

And another one . . .

And off she goes, Bye bye!