noun
maritime pilot; harbor pilot
A person who guides ships through dangerous or congested waters, such as harbors or river mouths. Synonymous with 水先案内人 (みずさきあんないにん).
See also: 水先案内
水先人がタンカーを港へ誘導した。
The pilot guided the tanker into the harbor.
Compound of 水先 (みずさき, 'water's edge' or 'course of a ship') and 人 (にん, 'person'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term refers to a person who knows the water routes.