Ship handlers said

Originally designed to assist tanker captains during the transition between their ships and VLCCs, the center has attracted many pilots over the years. Currently, 80 to 90% of our trainees are pilots! Training on smaller models provides the most realistic training in restricted waters. It is therefore recommended for each marine pilot. Each port has special needs, however, at a minimum, marine pilots should be trained on scale models as follows:

• after an initial phase of training and employment that depends on the port and its environment (from 2/3 to 5/6 years).
• then periodically every five years,
• on request if there is a significant change in traffic or installation.

These courses are of course complementary to other training courses for maritime pilots (simulators, radar, electronic cartography for example).