The pilot of the Staten Island ferry that crashed into a dock last October, killing 11 commuters and injuring dozens more, pleaded guilty Wednesday to manslaughter.

Richard Smith acknowledged that he passed out at the ship's controls after taking Tramadol, a drug used to treat back pain, as well as Tylenol PM. Both drugs list drowsiness as possible side effects.

"I was not in proper physical condition to safely operate the Staten Island ferry," Smith told a Brooklyn federal court hearing. "My conduct was reckless."

Staten Island Ferry hits pier
Staten Island Ferry hits pier

The ferry slammed into a concrete maintenance pier as it was docking on Staten Island after a 25-minute trip from Manhattan, tearing a 76-metre gash that ran more than 2 1/2 metres deep in its hull.

The crash sparked scores of lawsuits against the city. The 33 settlements to date total about $1.7 million US, with dozens of suits still outstanding.

Smith, 55, could face up to 10 years in prison on each manslaughter count, although he's expected to get a more lenient sentence under a plea agreement worked out with prosecutors.

He could also get up to five years for failing to tell the coast guard about his high blood pressure and prescription drug use when applying for a pilot's licence three years ago. Smith said he was afraid of losing his job.

Three other people, including two of Smith's superiors, are also facing charges arising from the crash.

Patrick Ryan, the director of ferry operations, is accused of 11 counts of manslaughter, along with obstruction of justice and lying to the coast guard. Ryan allegedly failed to provide the ferry's captain and assistant captains with proper procedures for operating the ships, and then claimed he had done so.

Ferry captain Michael Gansas is charged with lying to the coast guard about his absence from the wheelhouse, where he was required to be while the ferry was docking.

Port captain John Mauldin faces a charge of obstruction of justice for allegedly lying to the National Transportation Safety Board.

The investigation into the crash revealed serious problems with safety rules on New York's ferries.

The city has since revamped its procedures. Crew members must now report to their stations as the ferry nears shore and confirm to supervisors by radio that they are in position. Three people instead of two are required to be in the wheelhouse.