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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Aberdeenshire => Topic started by: bainmb on Thursday 18 May 17 12:49 BST (UK)

Title: Fraserburgh Pilot
Post by: bainmb on Thursday 18 May 17 12:49 BST (UK)

My great-great grandfather, Alexander Noble of Shore Street, Fraserburgh, has his occupation listed in the 1871 and 1881 Census as Pilot. Can anyone shed some light on what this occupation actually is? I'm assuming it's a role linked to the harbour but any details would be great. Was this a common or prestigious role?

Thanks

Title: Re: Fraserburgh Pilot
Post by: tonepad on Thursday 18 May 17 16:11 BST (UK)

The link below gives the current Pilot Directions for Fraserborough.

http://www.fraserburgh-harbour.co.uk/pilotage-directions


Assume that similar requirements existed in previous times.
Pilots are required in commercial ports where larger visiting vessels need to navigate safely.

Title: Re: Fraserburgh Pilot
Post by: JJen on Thursday 18 May 17 16:12 BST (UK)

Hi,

According to the website below a pilot is a ship's steersman.

http://rmhh.co.uk/occup/p.html

JJ

Title: Re: Fraserburgh Pilot
Post by: cath151 on Thursday 18 May 17 16:26 BST (UK)

Hi,
There are several mentions of an Alexander Noble connected with Fraserburgh in the local newspapers concerning pilot ships etc and in some South Shore address mentioned .
Available Findmypast and probably other newspaper archives.

Cathy

Title: Re: Fraserburgh Pilot
Post by: Forfarian on Thursday 18 May 17 18:24 BST (UK)

Just to clarify a bit, all commercial harbours employ pilots.

The job of a pilot is to go out to ships when they approach the port, and take over the steering until the ship is safely berthed. When a ship departs, the pilot takes her out of the port to the open sea, and then leaves the ship.

The idea is that the pilots know all the local quirks, pitfalls and problems and are thus better qualified to navigate into a port than a captain who may never have visited it before.

I have a pilot friend who tells some wonderful tales about the job, especially about captains who refuse to accept a pilot and then fall foul of weird eddies or currents while attempting, unsuccessfully, to dock.

I would say that being a pilot is quite prestigious and respected. It requires lots of experience at sea, in handling ships and good detailed knowledge of the home port.

Title: Re: Fraserburgh Pilot
Post by: bainmb on Friday 19 May 17 07:49 BST (UK)

Excellent, thanks for the info. That helps a lot.

Regards

Title: Re: Fraserburgh Pilot
Post by: GrahamSimons on Friday 19 May 17 13:14 BST (UK)

I think you'll find him on Ancestry in the UK and Ireland, Masters and Mates Certificates, 1850-1927 database.