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Pilot ... in the 1800's?????

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Diane

Diane Report 3 Jan 2008 11:56

I have a death certificate from Australia, which as you probably know, gives a lot more information on the parents and children of the deceased than a UK one.

The death certificate is from 1876, and the deceased father's occupation is given as a pilot, he was Scottish, living in Scotland.

As there were no planes then, does anyone know what else "pilot" would have referred to? I am guessing a boat, but I don't know.

any suggestions welcomed!

Staffs Col

Staffs Col Report 3 Jan 2008 11:58

Pilot as in harbour pilot...used to assist ships into port as the pilot has an in depth knowlege of the local waters, still used today..
Broadly speaking a captain wanting a pilot would hoist a signal flag (flag golf), once the pilot was aboard the hoist would change to Pilot Aboard (flag hotel). whilst the pilot was aboard he would virtually assume command of the ships course and speed

Porkie_Pie

Porkie_Pie Report 3 Jan 2008 11:59

Pilot used to and still do bring ships into port,

Pilot = Ship's steersman

from http://rmhh.co.uk/occup/index.html

Diane

Diane Report 3 Jan 2008 12:18

Thanks folks!!!