Article

Santander Pilots ISPO certified (since July 2020)


by ISPO - International Standard for Maritime Pilot Organisations - published on 17 November 2020 183 -

Santander Pilots gaining its ISPO accreditation
photo and text by ISPO

The International Users Group of ISPO certified pilot organizations (IUG) congratulates the Corporación Prácticos del Puerto de Santander (Santander Pilot Service) on gaining its ISPO accreditation. It is another step forward for the International Standard for Maritime Pilot Organizations that the Santander Pilots have been recognised for their standards of best practice.

The ISPO is a quality and safety management system produced for pilots by pilots and provides performance criteria for Risk Management, Training & Qualification, Pilot Operations, Customer Relations and Emergency Preparedness. These operational procedures which are audited by a classification society, ensures a continuous improvement cycle and provides self-regulation and transparency in pilotage standards to all port stakeholders.

This month, Lloyd’s Register conducted external audits of the Santander Pilots operations and procedures, and its Integrated Management System were deemed satisfactory. The Santander Pilots has received accreditation from Lloyd’s Register for its commitment to providing the shipping industry, the Spanish coast and Santander Port with a pilotage service that is quantifiable with respect to the safety management of its operations and its commitment to maintaining a safe environment.

The Santander Pilots is the 23nd ISPO certified pilot organization in the world and there is a growing trend for Pilotage Service Providers to adopt the ISPO as the providers begin to see the benefits of quality and safety management systems.

The IUG, responsible for ISPO, hopes this trend continues and that more pilot organizations will voluntarily opt for this quality and safety management system.
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Article ISPO code and Control Manual (latest edition 1/1/22)

by ISPO - International Standard for Maritime Pilot Organisations - published on 4 January 2022

The latest edition of the ISPO Code and Control Manual has just been published: From January 1st 2022, the new ISPO Code and ISPO Control Manual will come into effect.

0

Article ISPO 2022 conference program and topics published

published on 17 June 2022

On 21st and 22nd September, the ISPO conference 2022 will be held at Cork in Ireland. Now the conference program and topics have been published.

1

Video BMPA Presentation at IMPA 2014

published on 4 July 2019

Bahamas Maritime Pilot's Association (BMPA) presentation at IMPA 2014.

0

Article The Risks of Remote Pilotage in an Intelligent Fairway - preliminary considerations

published on 28 July 2021

This paper described some of the characteristics it could offer to be classified as "smart" by reviewing risk management practices and accident statistics using the Finnish port of Rauma.

1

Article Finnpilot Pilotage Orders Sixth Watercat 160 Pilot from Marine Alutech

published on 29 April 2025

Finnpilot Pilotage Ltd has reinforced its long-standing partnership with Marine Alutech by placing an order for another Watercat 160 Pilot vessel. This latest acquisition marks the sixth vessel of the new 160 Pilot Series for the Finnish Pilotage organisation’s fleet.

0

Article 2 MOL-operated Vessels Earn 2021 'Best Quality Ship Awards'

published on 4 July 2022

TOKYO-Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President & CEO: Takeshi Hashimoto) today announced that the Japan Federation of Pilots' Association (JFPA) (Note 1) has presented its Best Quality Ship Award for fiscal year (FY) 2021 to two MOL-operated vessels—the LNG carrier LNG SATURN and the bulk carrier TAIYO.

1

Article Survey: Sustainability in Maritime Pilotage

by Ship senior pilot Seyed Behbood Issazadeh - published on 21 August 2025

The maritime sector is experiencing a significant shift due to escalating environmental issues, changing regulatory frameworks, and heightened public demands for sustainability. During this transformation, marine pilots are essential;

0

Article Report on Safe Tug Procedures

by Captain Henk Hensen (Marine Consultant) - published on 6 February 2020

Based on Pilot, Tug Master and Ship Captain Questionnaires

Compiled by:

Captain Henk Hensen FNI FITA Captain Daan Merkelbach FITA Captain F. van Wijnen MNI

0

Video Pilot onboard!

published on 22 September 2020

0

Video Virginia Pilots Rely on Volvo Penta IPS Propulsion

published on 4 December 2020

The new 56-ft. Virginia Pilots launch is powered by a pair of Volvo Penta D13 700 hp EPA Tier 3 engines matched with IPS-3 steerable pod drives with forward-facing counter-rotating props. The propulsion system includes Volvo Penta’s EVC electronic steering and control system with a three-axis joystick. Top speed is 33+ knots.

0