The process by which a Pilot is assigned to move a vessel is initiated by the local agent for the ship or cargo owners. The agent will place a call to the Pacific Pilotage Authority (PPA) dispatch office and request a Pilot to move a ship from either one berth to another, from a berth to sea (or vice versa), or from one port to another. The dispatchers will enter the order into their computer system and dispatch the next available Pilot from a rotation list. The Pilot will receive a telephone call from the dispatchers informing him of his next assignment and will begin to make preparations for the assignment which includes reviewing the latest information regarding the route the vessel will take and its intended berth, making transportation arrangements, and planning his pre-assignment rest period to ensure that he is adequately rested for the assignment.