Proses Komunikasi antara Pandu dan Nahkoda dalam Pelayanan Pemanduan Kapal di Pelabuhan Sungai Pakning

This study aims to analyze the communication process between the harbor pilot and the ship’s master in ship pilotage services at Sungai Pakning Port, identify the factors affecting the effectiveness of communication, and formulate solutions to the obstacles encountered during the pilotage process. This research employed a qualitative descriptive approach with data collected through observation, interviews, and literature review. The study was conducted over a period of two months, from April to July. It is expected to contribute to the development of maritime communication studies and serve as a reference for improving communication effectiveness and navigation safety.The results show that the communication process between the harbor pilot and the ship’s master in ship pilotage services at Sungai Pakning Port consists of five stages: Initial Call, Pilot Boarding, Master–Pilot Information Exchange (MPX), communication during ship maneuvering, and communication during berthing. Each stage plays an important role in supporting navigation safety and ensuring the smooth implementation of pilotage services. The effectiveness of communication is influenced by several factors, including personnel experience and competence, the use of the Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP), the condition of VHF radio communication equipment, the implementation of the closed-loop communication procedure, and coordination among the harbor pilot, the ship’s master, the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS), tugboats, and port authorities. Although communication has generally been carried out effectively, several obstacles were identified, such as radio communication interference caused by adverse weather, differences in Maritime English proficiency, and the incomplete exchange of information during the MPX stage.