A river pilot is a professional who helps navigate ships and boats safely through rivers, often with dangerous and challenging conditions such as narrow channels and twists and turns. Synonyms for a river pilot include river navigator, river captain, river guide, river master, and river skipper. These professionals are experts in navigational skills and must have a good understanding of river currents, tides, and water depths. Their role is critical to ensuring the safe passage of cargo ships, cruise ships, and other vessels through river systems across the world. The skills and experience of a river pilot are valued by all mariners that traverse rivers and waterways.