Here is a question I’ve always wondered about: why is there usually just one marine pilots organization for each port?
I believe Columbia River has two organizations (let’s call them what they are: private companies). But most have just one.
As a contrast, each major U.S. port likely has more than one tug company operating in it. Each of those ports likely have more than one container line servicing it. American society apparently dislikes monopolies in marine transportation.
Go to a major airport. There are dozens of airlines, each in competition with each other. The competition does not reduce the competency of each aircraft pilot. (I’m not conflating the roles of aircraft pilot with a marine pilot, which are very different. But they do share one thing: a very high level of specialized training, maintained over the professional life of the pilot).
Our economy is essentially a capitalist economy, the cornerstone of which is competition. Benefits of competition are a fair price for goods and services received, and an increase in efficiency. The opposite of competition is a monopoly. Monopolies don’t have a stellar record with low costs and efficiencies.
It appears that most marine pilot organizations are monopolies. Correct me if I’m wrong. If this is the case, how is society benefited by keeping marine pilot companies monopolies?