Pilot on Board

Inside the high stakes world of maritime pilotage across Finland’s waters

Pilot on Board is a documentary film that sheds light on the often unseen profession of maritime pilotage, following pilots as they work across Finland’s coastal waters and inland lakes throughout the year. Operating in all weather conditions, ports, and vessel types, these professionals carry immense responsibility at the critical moment when they board a ship and take command, relying on experience, precision, and deep local knowledge to ensure safe passage.

The film unfolds through the changing seasons. In spring, it follows a pilot off the coast of Kotka at Örregrund, guiding the car carrier M S Arabian Breeze into the Port of Kotka. Summer shifts the focus to Helsinki, where a 290 metre long cruise ship, M S Emerald Princess, is piloted from Harmaja to the West Harbour, an operation that demands sustained concentration and exact manoeuvring in busy port conditions. In autumn, the journey moves inland to Lake Saimaa, where a Dutch vessel is guided through narrow, scenic, and technically complex waterways. Winter brings the harshest conditions, taking viewers to the icy waters of the Bothnian Bay, where pilots operate from the Ajos pilot station under Arctic weather and frozen seas.

Alongside the technical challenges, Pilot on Board emphasises the human dimension of pilotage, portraying calm professionalism under pressure and the constant awareness of risk. The documentary also highlights Finland’s distinctive maritime environments, showing how nature shapes every decision at sea. The film stands as a tribute to the invisible professionals who ensure that global maritime traffic continues safely and efficiently.