Tuesday Night Talk: Pilotage in Halifax Harbour

How does a Harbour Pilot and Launch Master navigate the Halifax Harbour? This evening’s talk will explore how commercial vessels are transited from Chebucto Head into the harbour and alongside the docks, including the coordinated role of pilot boats and tug operations.

Drawing on local expert knowledge, the speakers will explain harbour logistics, vessel traffic, and what cargoes arrive in and depart from Halifax.

With Ross and Ian sharing their day-to-day navigational roles, discover their interactions with pleasure craft, ship bridge visibility, safety regulations, and operational decision-making.

Guest speakers:
Ross MacFadden began his seafaring career at age 18 and has since built over two decades of global maritime experience across offshore, commercial, and pilotage sectors. After working internationally for Secunda, McDermott, ATL and private yachts, he joined the Halifax Pilots in 2018, where he guides vessels through one of Canada’s most historic harbours. His background offers a firsthand perspective on the work of harbour pilots and professional mariners.

Ian Wallace is a retired Launch Master with a maritime career spanning more than four decades. Beginning in Felixstowe, UK, he rose from boatyard work and coastal shipping to Master on harbour tugs before immigrating to Canada and settling in Halifax. He spent 16 years as a Launch Master on the pilot boats, where he became known for his steady seamanship, deep experience, and sharp humour.