pilot boat

a boat carrying pilots to or from large ships.

Origin of pilot boat

First recorded in 1580–90

When we got outside we lay to, with the pilot-boat alongside of us, and the hold of the vessel was ransacked for the deserter.

A Jolly Fellowship |Frank R. Stockton
Neb steered the ship, as one would have guided a pilot-boat.

Miles Wallingford |James Fenimore Cooper
"Lunt has not come back with the pilot-boat, Carvel," said he.

Richard Carvel, Complete |Winston Churchill
It was at his instance I found an asylum in the Charity along with the officers of the pilot-boat.

Jack in the Forecastle |John Sherburne Sleeper

Then people saw them from Bryher, and a pilot-boat put off for them.'

Armorel of Lyonesse |Walter Besant