Government's crew of ten ship's pilots ensures 1,000 trips a year to Bermuda keep off the rocks.

And Warden of Pilots Keith Battersbee said safety of the ships, the community and the environment are priorities for the Government Pilot Service.

Mr. Battersbee, 47, said the Government Pilots must have a combination of qualities that ensure the safe passage of international shipping through the only entry channel inside the reef.

Mr. Battersbee, speaking to Hamilton Lions, explained that the Pilots are needed because they are most familiar with the currents, prevailing winds, channels, buoys, and regulations of the Ports.

He said pilots must give on-hand advice to the Master and crew of the ship without second-guessing.

"A pilot is an insurance for our delicate marine environment,'' Mr.

Battersbee added. "We can be sure that the navigation of the ship is being done in a safe and efficient manner.'' Mr. Battersbee said in Bermuda, pilotage is compulsory for all commercial vessels, with the exception of Her Majesty's Ships, foreign ships of war, fishing vessels, and ships of less than 50 tons. He said although a pilot is legally responsible for his actions, the Master is still in command.

Mr. Battersbee said: "Conduct of a ship refers to action. Command is about power. The fact that the pilot has control of a ship for navigational purposes does not mean the pilot has superceded the master of the ship.'' "A captain will not want a pilot bent on breaking the rules and taking his ship `boldly where no man has gone before'.'' Failure to blend in with the master, regardless of his nationality, will mean "someone is not going to have a good day'' he said. He added the only place in the world that pilots have full control of a ship is in the Panama Canal.

The Bermuda Pilot Service operates two boats which ferry pilots to and from ships and serve as command boats in search and rescue missions within 30 nautical miles.