IMPA is hosting examples of best practice and protocols during Covid-19 times

The United Kingdom Maritime Pilots' Association (UKMPA) has all been inundated with CV19 communications from all manner of sources in the last few weeks. Here is a condensed collection of information from the UKMPA.

On Monday, March 23, 2020, Admiral Osama Rabie announced the successful transit of the Italian passenger ship COSTA DIADEMA in the northbound convoy through the new Suez Canal, coming from the United Arab Emirates heading to Italy. Special measures were applied, as 65 Coronavirus cases were reported on board which required piloting the vessel remotely through pilotage team boarded on two escorting tugs in full coordination with the transit control offices and navigation monitoring stations in a first of its kind scenario in the history of the Suez Canal.

Fewer vessels in voyage mean less pilotage and this means less income for many Pilots. Not every Pilot is an employee and many pilots are self-employed and organised in a brotherhood per example. They are earning only money if they are piloting a vessel. No vessel – no money.

Container vessel ALDIVIA (IMO 9333395) was dangerously close to public beach at Vlissingen Netherlands, on May 21, while heading out to sea, en route from Antwerp to Helsinki Finland.

The cause of dangerous approach is unknown, but the ship wasn’t detained, she continued her voyage.

The Nigerian Maritime Pilot Association - NMPA, an affiliate of the International Maritime Pilot Association - IMPA, has called for the payment of accrued Footage allowances being owed them.

Pilot boat Hanakahi inbound to Pier 19, Honolulu Harbor. 18 July 2020.

Do you ever leave the harbour to get on a vessel you will guide along without a ritual? Whatever we trust in, whatever the rituals or traditions you Marine Pilots have - when you board your pilot boats, climb the ladders, get the vessels through the harbour - keep them and cherish them, they are good and they are important.

Found on YouTube.

Interview with Abu Dhabi Ports’ Crisis & Business Continuity Management Manager, Mohamed Al Hosani to illustrate the business continuity initiatives, and the key health and safety measures implemented at Abu Dhabi Ports to ensure the health and safety of employees and stakeholders.

Found on YouTube. Created by Duluth Shipping.

The "Sea Bear", (ex "Narrows") was built in 1959 in Massachusetts for use as a pilot boat in New York. Ed Montgomery, at Sea Service, LLC, bought her and brought her to the Twin Ports in September, 2002.

Found on YouTube. Created by "Welland Memes TV".
An investigation is underway following a collision between "Florence Spirit" and "Alanis" in the Welland Canal.

The incident occurred around 4 p.m. Saturday near Port Robinson when the dry bulk cargo ship "Alanis", which was carrying windmill parts to Duluth, Minnesota, collided during a passing maneuver with the "Florence Spirit", which was carrying coal on its way to Quebec.

Editors Note:
According to the "Welland Tribune", the Florence Spirit was heading down the canal while the MV Alanis was heading up the canal just south of Port Robinson when the accident happened.

A St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation official told the Tribune that the two vessels collided starboard side to starboard side, adding that the Florence Spirit sustained more damage because it was sitting lower in the water.

The Alanis was carrying windmill parts to Deluth, Minnesota, and the Florence Spirit was carrying coal to Quebec.
No one was injured in the crash and no cargo was spilled.
The collision did not interrupt traffic on the canal.
Both ships were towed to two different locations. The Alanis is currently docked at Port Colborne while the Florence Spirit is docked in Thorold.

We're working to gather more information about the incident.