What does the term "pilotage" refer to?

The term "pilotage" refers specifically to the practice of navigating a vessel by using visible landmarks, charted features, and geographic references instead of electronic navigational aids such as GPS. This method is crucial, especially in coastal waters, narrow channels, or when entering ports, where reliance on visual cues can provide more immediate and accurate information about the vessel's position and surroundings.

Using pilotage requires a good understanding of the local geography and the ability to interpret charts and recognize features in the environment. This approach can be particularly valuable in regions with poor satellite reception or when navigating through areas where automatic systems may be less reliable. Knowledge of pilotage techniques is essential for a coxswain, as it contributes to safe navigation and maneuvering of vessels under various conditions, especially in confined water bodies.