Tuesday Night Talk: Pilotage in Halifax Harbour

Presenters: Ross MacFadden (Pilot) and Ian Wallace (Launch Master)

How does a Harbour Pilot and Launch Master navigate the Halifax Harbour? Join us to explore how commercial vessels are transited from Chebucto Head into the harbour and alongside the docks. Learn the coordinated role of pilot boats and tug operations as our speakers draw on their local expert knowledge to explain harbour logistics, vessel traffic, and the cargoes that arrive in and depart from Halifax - using tracking information to illustrate real-world movements.

Ross MacFadden began his seafaring career at age 18 and has since built over two decades of global maritime experience across offshore, commercial, and pilotage sectors. After working internationally for Secunda, McDermott, ATL and private yachts, he joined the Halifax Pilots in 2018, where he guides vessels through one of Canada’s most historic harbours. His background offers a firsthand perspective on the work of harbour pilots and professional mariners.

Ian Wallace is a retired Launch Master with a maritime career spanning more than four decades. Beginning in Felixstowe, UK, he rose from boatyard work and coastal shipping to Master on harbour tugs before immigrating to Canada and settling in Halifax. He spent 16 years as a Launch Master on the pilot boats, where he became known for his steady seamanship, deep experience, and sharp humour.

Tuesday Night Talks is open to everyone. We offer free admission from 4 pm - 8 pm. Donations to Feed Nova Scotia are welcome.

You may also like the following events from Maritime Museum of the Atlantic:

• Next month, 10th March, 06:30 pm, Tuesday Night Talk: Building the Ocean Terminals and Rail Cut Through Halifax, Author Bob Chaulk in Halifax
• Next month, 24th March, 06:30 pm, Tuesday Night Talk: Broadside: The Hebridean Sinking and Secrets, Author Rick Grant in Halifax