The analysis of the work schedules, which included 902 tours of duty and 4310 work assignments, provided a basic description of the work practices of Great Barrier Reef pilots based on ship and non-ship periods. Key measures analysed from the work schedule files included the characteristics of tours of duty, work assignments, shipping routes and work related travel. The analysis of the files was retrospective in nature and covered the 18 month period from January 1, 1996 to June 30, 1997. Between company differences and changes across three 6 month periods were assessed. Unless otherwise stated all measures were based on 6 month periods.