Pilot

mer. law. This word has two meanings. It signifies, first, an officer serving on board of a ship during the course of a voyage, and having the charge of the helm and of the ship’s route; and, secondly, an officer authorised by law, who is taken on board at a particular place, for the purpose of conducting a ship through a river, road or channel, or from or into port. Pilots of the second description are established by legislative enactments at the principal seaports in this country, and have rights and are bound to perform duties agreeably to the provisions of the several laws establishing them.

Abbott on Ship. 180; 1 John. R. 305; 4 Dall. 205; 2 New R. 82; 5 Rob. Adm. Rep. 308; 6 Rob. Adm. R. 316; Laws/of Oler. art. 23; Molloy, B. 2, c. 9, s. 3 and 7; Wesk. Ins. 395; Act of congress of 7th August, 1789, 8.4; Merl. Rért. h. t.; Pardessus, n. 637.