At the Harwich Haven Authority, senior pilot Jane Stone has a job that many would find daunting - guiding the world's largest ships into UK ports. With her extensive experience as a ship's captain, Stone now oversees vessels over 50m in length, navigating them safely into and out of Felixstowe and Ipswich ports in Suffolk, and Harwich in Essex. As part of her role, Stone has to consider the complexities of harbour navigation, taking into account the ships' size, weight, and weather conditions.
Stone's day-to-day activities involve working closely with harbour masters, tug boat operators, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth and safe passage. Her experience also includes piloting ships in adverse weather conditions, such as rough seas. In an interview, Stone reflected on the most enjoyable part of her job: 'The most fun part of this job is manoeuvring in the harbours, taking a ship into port. They're complicated bits of equipment.'
One notable incident showcased Stone's expertise, as she had to jump from a ship to a launch boat while both vessels were in motion. This requires immense skill and precision, underscoring the importance of Stone's role in ensuring the safety of passengers, crew, and harbour operations.
The Harwich Haven Authority has handled nearly 4,000 vessels in the past year, demonstrating the critical role that pilots like Stone play in maintaining the nation's maritime infrastructure.
As the UK continues to rely heavily on maritime trade, the expertise of pilots like Stone is vital in supporting the country's economic growth and development.