The Australasian Marine Pilots Institute (AMPI) is hosting its first overseas Regional Pilotage and Ports Conference in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea at the Stanley Hotel and Suites that began on Monday June 24th and will end on Thursday June 26th, 2024. The 2024 Regional Pilotage and Ports conference is a workshop focused on training, technology, towage and regulation for seafarers, the Ports and Pilots of the Maritime community. The event is sponsored by the PNG Ports Corporation Limited and Niugini Pilots along with other Maritime companies and partners. One of the pioneers of the AMPI Regional Pilotage and Ports Conference, Managing Director of Niugini Pilots, Captain Max Stoessel, welcomed the delegates to PNG and in a moment of silence paid tribute to those who have been a part and parcel of the inception of this conference ten years ago. "It is only fitting that they commemorate International Seafarers Day with this training workshop as we remember pilots and seafarers who have gone before us, we salute them and thank them for what they have done." Meanwhile, AMPI President, Captain Josephine Clark stated that it was a great privilege to welcome everyone to this professional workshop event as that was the first ever to be outside of Australia with an attendance of 98 delegates representing 7 countries. "Australia Marine Pilots Institute and relaunched in 2009 with a new name update to recognize educational programs and growing ties with PNG." She spoke of the history of AMPI and the important role that the Pilots play in the saw berthing of ships and delivery of goods. "Pilots play an indispensable role in keeping vessels safe.” “People want their goods to come on time without damaging reefs or infrastructure hence the collaboration to ensure there is zero harm done." "Risk navigation is the work of the pilot as well as training to deal with foreseeable risks hence we aim to focus on training, towage, technology and regulation in order to know how to best tackle common issues they all face on the job." Furthermore, Captain Simon Pelletier, talked about the value of maritime pilotage and ports as well as the consequences it has to add value for the public. "Our profession is truly a global one.” “Pilots spread out all around the world and each have expertise deeply rooted in local circumstances." "Safe navigation is the key role in protecting the environment whilst keeping the movement of supply chains flowing." "People don't often know who the pilots are. They are the invisible end that contributes to the wealth of millions," Captain Pelletier said. International Maritime Pilots Association connects pilots globally and have reaffirmed their position in recent years. He stated that without growth, corporations end up going nowhere fast and the Public suffers consequences in only a matter of time. Pelletier highlighted the importance of rules and regulations and following them to avoid huge environmental impacts. "The stakes are just too high. A few crucial conditions must be implied. Pilots make decisions with safety as the first objective." He further said that the relationship between pilotage and safety is straightforward just as regulated pilotage. "Efficient operations minimize delays hence with well-regulated systems we can develop new techniques to ensure smooth operations."