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Transcription: {SPEAKER name="Jeanne Porterfield"}
[00:11:22]
A clock estimates the time the bridge will close and the traffic can cross over again. Curaçao is the Caribbean's busiest port with a steady flow of ships streaming right through the very heart of town dwarfing the streets and gabled rooftops.
[00:11:38]
Well, you know, I'm not sure who has the right of way in a situation like this.
[00:11:50]
Overlooking the waterfront is the harbor pilot's office and here the pilots receive their orders as to the ships they're to bring in and take out. One of the most experienced pilots is Johan [[Bainstra??]] on his way here to bring in a cargo ship. Now watch the impeccable Dutch.
[00:12:12]
The cargo ship's waiting for him just outside the harbor entrance.
[00:12:17]
There are eighteen harbor pilots in all, each usually bringing in an average of two to three ships a day.
[00:12:24]
Because of the tides, ocean currents, and narrow, restrictive harbor entrance, it takes a great deal of experience to pilot in the big ships. In fact, under Dutch law, a harbor pilot must have earned various certificates that even qualify him to be a sea captain himself.
[00:12:41]
Although the captain is responsible in all ways for his ship, when a harbor pilot is on board, he takes over command. And as ships come to Curacao from all parts of the world, he must be able to give his commands in at least eight languages.
[00:12:58]
Although Curacao is only 38 miles long and 7 at its widest, it's the world's fourth largest harbor in tonnage of ships using it.
[00:13:10]
Coming in this way, you can see the [[Leading??]] Hotel, built within the remaining walls of an old fort. And the Dutch waterfront slipping by is a sight travelers rarely forget.
[00:13:21]
The narrow channel Johan is now guiding the ship along opens into a huge inner harbor where the Dutch Shell Oil refinery is. This is the world's second largest oil refinery and was established here due to Curacao's proximity to Venezuela where the crude oil comes from.
[00:13:41]
The refinery has brought great prosperity to the island and is one of the most important factors in its economy, giving employment to thousands.