A history of the Tyne Pilots, whose specialist knowledge of the River Tyne and navigational skills were required for steering passenger ships from North Sea, up the river and into port.

Pilots were seafarers who has detailed knowledge of a port approach or dangerous navigational area and who uses that knowledge to ensure the safe passage of a vessel through the pilotage district. The Captain always has command of the ship and thus has ultimate responsibility for the safety of the ship, its cargo and crew. The pilot has the conduct of the ship in the pilotage district and upon boarding a vessel provides a passage plan for the transit and directs the course and speed of the vessel to execute the passage plan. These are worldwide and the majority of pilots work within a specific port.

The Tyne Pilots were a group whose knowledge of the River Tyne and navigational skills had been acquired and perfected over the years. Ships weighed anchor about two miles out to sea. Here they were boarded by a pilot, who brought the ship in, and up the river and into one of the docks. Again when the ship was leaving, he steers he course out into the North Sea.

For three centuries, pilotage and navigation on the Tyne was controlled by were controlled by the brethren at Trinity House, Newcastle. It was later taken over by the Tyne Pilotage Authority.

Produced by by Pat Feeley

First broadcast 1978

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