The New Student's Reference Work/Pilot

Pi′lot, a person deputed to take charge of the course of a ship through a particular sea-reach or dangerous channel or out of or into port. He “stands at the wheel” we say. He must know how to manipulate the rudder and must be familiar with the channel. A steamboat neglecting to have a duly licensed pilot for a given port or stretch of water would forfeit its insurance in case of an accident.