Pilotage as a passion

Arne Parelius Lind (1912 – 1998)

Arne Lind from Lødingen was certified to pilot ships all around the coast of Norway from Kirkenes to Oslo, the most extensive certificate any Norwegian pilot has ever had.

Arne Parelius Lind started his career as a sailor at the age of 16. In 1946 he was appointed as pilot at Lødingen on the north-western coast.

Continuously, through his 31 years career as a pilot, he extended his certificate with new exams. In the end he knew and had the right to pilot ships in most of the Norwegian waters.

With the establishment of Losdirektoratet (the Directorate of Pilotage) in 1948, the pilots were given the status as civil servants, and Kopervik, Lødingen and Honningsvåg were established as centres of pilotage on the coast. Lødingen became the largest station with more than 80 pilots employed. At the same time, new technology was introduced: Pilots could be engaged by radio or telephone, and most ships had radar installed.

Arne took all kinds of commissions but specialized on tourist ships. As a senior pilot with the British Cunard Lines for 21 years, he played an important role in planning the sailing programmes of the increasing cruise traffic in Norway. And often the shipping company insisted on having him as a pilot on their ships.

He became a popular and highly respected pilot, and it was no coincidence that it was he who was chosen to lead the 220 meters long cruise ship “Caronia” through the narrow and shallow Tjeldsundet inside Lofoten. It was said to be no more than half a meter between the hull and the bottom, but “that was more than enough”, according to Arne.

For Arne Parelius Lind, pilotage was more than a profession. It was also a hobby and a passion. He was known to be a modest man with a warm sense of humour. After 47 years in the maritime trade, Arne Lind retired in 1975.

He was awarded the Royal Medal of Merit in silver for his outstanding competence and contribution to the pilot profession.