'Stormy conditions can test both nerve and skill': Marine pilot on life on Cork Harbour 

For three decades, Steve Palmer has been deeply intertwined with the sea.

A veteran marine pilot at the Port of Cork, he says: “My earliest memories are of boats.

“From my first ship assignment in Liverpool, to sailing as a captain on vessels around the world, my journey ultimately led me to Cobh.”

Steve is part of a tight-knit group.

“There are 12 of us pilots guiding ships safely in and out of Cork Harbour,” he says.

Conditions can be tricky.

“The stormy conditions can test both nerve and skill on a regular basis.”

A maritime pilot, also known as harbour pilot, is a mariner who manoeuvres ships through dangerous congested waters, such as harbours or river mouths.

They are regarded as skilled professionals in navigation as they are required to know immense details of waterways such as depth, currents, and hazards, as well as displaying expertise in handing ships of all shapes and sizes.

When did Steve’s seafaring voyage begin?

“I was born in Dublin to two great parents,” he says. “Dad worked for Palgrave Murphy Shipping.”

Adventure was in the blood.

“Dad’s brother was a navigator on bombers during the war. Grandad was ex-Royal engineers in the war.

“My other grandad was east Clare brigade old IRA. He won an All-Ireland hurling medal for Clare in 1914 and another medal for Dublin when he came up with the first batch of the Garda.”

Steve gravitated from the seas of Dublin, to Liverpool, then to Cobh.

“I just love the sea and can’t comprehend living anywhere else but beside the sea,” he says.

“I am so lucky living and working in Cobh. I love the place, and I love the people.”

He has a great rapport with his colleagues.

“We’re 12 pilots working based in Cobh,” says Steve. “A better bunch of professionals I couldn’t hope to work with. Great guys with a great can-do ethic.”

For him, the sea is more than a job.

“Most of my spare time involves the sea,” says Steve. “Whether it be swimming, kayaking or sailing.

“I recently completed a cliff abseiling and sea kayaking adventure in the south of , which was a great experience.”

How did his working life begin?

“I started on various sail training ships followed by a cadetship,” says Steve. “I ed my first ship in Huskisson Dock, Liverpool. It was a baptism of fire for an 18 year-old.

“We traded with the west coast of Africa, which was a fabulous adventure for a young fellow.

“Thereafter, I worked for various companies and all types and size of ships.” Any memorable voyages?

“One memorable trip was on a cargo ship as chief officer. I was newly married, and my wife Sonya travelled with me around the world through the Panama Canal and back through the Suez Canal.”

The newlyweds did some exploring. “We were lucky enough to visit a number of Pacific Islands and various ports,” says Steve.

He went on to be a ship’s captain.

“I worked through the ranks at sea and sailed as captain on a number of ships,” says Steve.

He harboured ambition, but he always had a plan.

“The end goal was always to be a Marine Pilot, and I was fortunate to end up in Cobh where I settled with Sonya and our three kids.”

Cork Harbour is a special place, says Steve.

“Most ships entering and leaving Cork are piloted by a Cork pilot. People in the harbour area might see the orange-coloured Cork Pilot boats. These bring us to and take us from these ships.

They are driven in all weathers day and night by a highly-skilled team of nine coxswains employed by the Port of Cork.”

Marine Pilots are masters at sea.

“The Marine Pilots in Cork Harbour are all Master Mariners with extensive maritime and command experience.

“On entering the pilot service, a further three plus years of training is required.”

“Marine Pilots drive ships. That’s it!” says Steve. “Our expertise is navigating restricted waters. And in our particular case, the restricted waters of Cork Harbour.

“Our expertise is also ship handing. This is manoeuvring ships on and off berths.

“Historically, we were all self-employed. Each year, we individually applied to the Port of Cork for a licence to pilot. Since January this year, we’ve ed the Port of Cork as employees.

“When a pilot s a ship, for instance a cruise ship, he takes over the conduct of the navigation after an exchange of important ship information.

“Extensive planning goes into the arrival of these ships. Pilots often use the simulators in the NMCI (National Maritime College of Ireland) for training and planning.”

Is the job stressful?

“I suppose it’s like any pursuit,” says Steve. “It has its ups and downs.

“When you’re firmly secured on land, it’s easy to forget the winter stormy night four miles south of Roche’s Point.

“The job has its big stress moments no doubt. And, as one long-ed pilot once said to me, ‘If you don’t feel it in the pit of your stomach on the last ship, the same as you did on the first ship, you’re missing something’.”

“If you think about it, we’re attempting to put ships alongside a wall as gently as possible. You wouldn’t do it with your car!”

“The main goal of the Cork Pilot is safety,” adds Steve.

“Safety of life. Safety of property, and safety of the environment.

“Pilots are hugely important in the integrity of Cork Harbour and the State. We are the first to board foreign ships out at sea ever before they enter the port.

“If something’s not right, if the ship has clear deficiencies, we don’t bring the ship into the harbour. Simple!”

There are 50 pilots in Ireland, says Steve.

“Approximately 80% of all exports and imports through the hands of these pilots.

“Pilots are represented nationally by AMPI, the Association of Marine Pilots of Ireland. In, Europe by EMPA, and internationally by IMPA, which has a seat at the IMO, a branch of the UN.”

International Seafarers Day, a day to recognise the seafarer, falls on June 25.

“It should be highlighted that we have a wonderful caring organisation here in Cork,” says Steve.

“The Seafarer Christian Friend Society is run by living day saints. They provide care for seafarers arriving in Cork. They are a friendly face in a difficult environment.

“Their contribution to seafarers’ wellbeing sometimes might be as simple as providing SIM cards so that crews can home.”

On land and at sea, simple little things can mean a lot.

“That’s for sure!” says Steve.