Originally Posted by
A Squared
the pilots are put on board because they have specific knowledge of the channels, procedures, markings hazards and other local conditions of that particular location, that the crew of an oceangoing vessel wouldn't have, and couldn't be expected to have. The pilot isn't put on board because they are shorthanded by 1 person on the bridge.
Yes that's an apples to oranges comparison with aviation. No relevance.
They don't do it by remote control either, in fact they occasionally die getting on and off the ships.