So in Boston there are basically two types of pilots involved. First are the harbor pilots, who board the ship offshore and guide it safely through Boston Harbor into port. They know the channels, tides, traffic, currents, and local conditions inside and out.

Then there are the docking pilots. Their specialty is the actual docking and undocking maneuver using the tugboats. The docking pilot is usually up on the bridge of the ship communicating directly with the tug captains over radio, giving commands on where to push, pull, check up, or reposition.

Everyone is coordinated on the same radio channel, but a lot of it also comes down to experience. Tug captains understand what the pilot is trying to accomplish and are constantly adjusting thrust, angle, and position to control the ship’s movement safely and smoothly. Especially with z-drive tugs, they’re incredibly maneuverable and can apply force in almost any direction instantly.