Editor's notes:

In the past decade, especially since the construction of the Free Trade Port began, Hainan has gradually developed into one of China's most open and dynamic regions. Dreamchasers from around the world have rushed to this beautiful island, the heart of China's reform and opening up in the new era, in the pursuit of their dreams and giving their lives value.

HIMC is launching the bilingual micro-documentary series “Hainan Through My Eyes”. In the series, HIMC's team of presenters and "overseas communication officers" interview ten ordinary young people about their extraordinary journeys working in different fields within the Hainan Free Trade Port as they recount the youthful dreams that motivated them along the way. ——Wu Bing, a Chinese-American who came back from the United States to start a business and introduced dozens of overseas projects to Hainan; Huang Yingying, a surfing supreme who chases dreams on the cusp of every wave; and Pan Dailin, whose masterful performances of Hainan Opera have given Hainan a voice on the global stage... The story behind the struggles of each of these young hopefuls is the story of Hainan, and it in turn gives hope to other young people looking to chase their dreams in the Hainan Free Trade Port.

We hope that through this series, you will learn more about the Hainan Free Trade Port and the power of youth.

Marine pilots have a very special job. They are the first people to board incoming ships as they enter ports. Every word, deed, and action of them bears sacred responsibility, and they are the faces of China at the country's “maritime gateways”. 

When a foreign ship enters or leaves a port, someone needs to direct the ship as it moves its way through complex conditions during docking and departure. The person who takes on this job is the pilot. At present, there are just over 2,400 such pilots in China, a small number for such a big country. This is not because there is a low demand for such professionals, but also because stringent requirements are desired for entry into the profession. In Hainan, there are a total of 22 pilots, and Lin Hongpin is one of them. 

There is a saying in the industry that "a pilot should have the demeanor of a diplomat, the courage of an explorer, the physique of an athlete, and the brain of a scientist".  

The work of a pilot is fraught with risk. In terms of process, guiding large ships in and out of the port is somewhat like parking a car, but that is where the similarities end. Unlike cars, these behemoths of the seas are difficult to maneuver, and the complexity of the waters is far beyond that of parking lots. For a large ship worth hundreds of millions, even a minor slip-up leading to a slight collision could cause astronomical losses. If the ship is laden with crude oil or natural gas, the consequences would be even more disastrous. 

"Once I board a ship, I represent the face of China and Hainan Free Trade Port, and I will show the professionalism that Chinese marine pilots are known for. Although the risks are great, we face them head-on and make up for them with our skills.” For Lin Hongpin, these are not just words, but a maxim. 

As of 2022, Lin has guided more than 4,000 domestic and foreign ships in and out of port, with a sparkling safety record and zero service complaints. Though he is intimately familiar with the ins and outs of the job, he never throws caution to the wind. "It's like taking a walk along the riverbank. You have to keep your wits about you to stop your feet from getting wet." This is the simile he often uses to remind himself and others of the importance of remaining vigilant on the job. 

Since the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port began, more than 5,000 ships have been piloted in and out of its ports annually, with each pilot clocking up an annual average of about 250 ships each. During 7-day National Holiday in 2022, for example, Yangpu Port alone had 120 instances of domestic and foreign ships being piloted in and out of port, including 20 instances of massive LNG ships and crude oil tankers, both record highs compared to previous years. Behind these dazzling figures is the daily grind and contribution of each and every pilot. 

"Although our work is getting busier, we still do feel very happy, because it means that Hainan is having more frequent contact with the outside world, which is bringing with it more and more opportunities," said Lin, his words tinged with confidence and pride.