Bruno Fonseca (President)
Marcio Fausto (Vice president)
Ricardo Falcão (Advisor)
Gustavo Martins (Advisor)
Marcelo Cajaty (Advisor)
Jacqueline Wendpap (Executive Director)
Pedro Parente (Technical Director)
Marcello Camarinha (Chief Financial Officer)
The first full-mission simulator was launched at the institute inauguration, in December 2021. It is a partnership with the Numerical Offshore Tank Laboratory of the University of São Paulo (TPN-USP), an international reference in simulations.
The simulator uses the same software, mathematical model, and database as the TPN-USP simulator, which has all Brazilian ports modeled, calibrated, and validated with the support of the Brazilian pilots. Its field of view is approximately 290 degrees, formed by 14 65-inch screens, three of which are rear.
Technomar Engineering, which has USP DNA, implemented the second simulator in September 2023. Like the first, mathematical models contemplate the state of the art in simulations. This simulator, certified by DNV for classes A and B, is the sole one of its kind created in the southern hemisphere. It also serves as training equipment for the Updating and Refresher Training Course for Pilots (ATPR).
In addition to the full mission simulators, the center also has simulators for training in ECDIS (Electronic navigation), Engine Room and VTS (Vessel Traffic Service). All of them come from the partnership with Wärtsilä, a global reference in technological innovation in the maritime industry.
Professionals from different pilotage zones use our simulators for training and familiarization with projects planned in ports.
The Institute receives classes for the Updating and Refresher Training Course for Pilots (ATPR) which is mandatory every five years, being an international reference. Until then, the face-to-face module of the course took place only in the Brazilian Navy simulators in Rio de Janeiro (RJ) and Belém (PA).
It is also intended to receive pilots from other countries, such as the ATPR trainings already done, which received colleagues from Angola, Argentina, Mexico and Uruguay.
The Brazilian Pilotage Institute offers the Atalaia Operator Course; a qualification program for professionals who operate pilotage stations.
Operators receive instruction on topics covering infrastructure and port planning; pilotage service; vessel traffic service; language and communication; nautical knowledge; equipment; traffic management; and emergency situations.
In the simulation center, operators become familiar with the on-board equipment and the challenges of the pilotage service.
Being also a research, technology, and innovation center, aiming at improving the service, the Institute has partnerships implemented. The first of them was signed with Senai Cimatec of Bahia, for the development of a life jacket suitable for the pilotage activity, which does not yet exist in the market.
The Brazilian Pilotage’s technical agreement with the startup Navigandi, will bring technological and training advances to the Institute, especially in the use of portable pilot unit (PPU), portable equipment that assists pilots in maneuvers.
In the future, based on the centralization of data from the pilotage stations, it is planned to be implemented a big data room, generating accurate and reliable information to guide actions in the sector.
São Paulo Pilotage Station
Engine Room Management Course for Technip
The Brazilian Pilotage Institute has its doors open to the maritime and port community, having already carried out simulations of berthing on terminals’ quays and mooring systems, as well as studies on maneuverability and navigability of ships in port accesses.
Our general management is also qualified to develop corporate training programs, according to the model courses of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The Brazilian Pilotage Institute consistently works alongside both public and private organizations to address matters that concern society. In 2025, a protocol of intent was signed to provide its simulators to the National Maritime Transport Agency (ANTAQ). This initiative aims to support ANTAQ in studies for the authorization of private terminals and the expansion of leases in public ports.
A cooperation agreement was also signed with the Arbitration Chamber of Maritime Law, Port and Foreign Trade (CAMAR). The collaboration between the entities will help foster good practices and boost growth in the maritime and port sectors.
The Brazilian Pilotage Institute has welcomed visits from distinguished institutions and authorities, thereby advancing its mission to promote and reinforce the pilotage service. Additionally, it features a range of live events that appeal to both the target audience and the broader public, all shared through Brazilian Pilotage’s social media channels.
Schedule your visit through the email: ipb@institutopraticagem.org.br
A Praticagem do Brasil apoia e contribui com o conteúdo da Pilotladder Safety.