The long, erratic shifts, however, have continued. During Hultin's early years on the canal, ships as big as the 65,000-ton Kiyoh were oddities. Now such vessels are the norm, and Hultin isn't happy about it. There's no lines to a ship like this. Despite all the changes, Hultin has retained his enthusiasm for piloting.
Enthusiasm can only take a pilot so far, however.
Under prolonged strain, everyone has a breaking point. You don't have any sleep patterns. Some people are right on the edge. The canal's official accident statistics are commendable. In 1995 only 32 vessels were reported damaged.