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.

The pilots say that Port Tampa Bay leadership is leaning on them to change policies in ways they say would be less safe.

Today, the MV GOLDEN BRILLIANT, a 225 m long bulk carrier came in at sunrise, underway to EMO terminal, Mississippihaven in Port of Rotterdam. We were assisted by two tugboats, the BUGSIER 12 and MULTRATUG 3. It was cold and very windy, but the Philippino crew dit an outstanding job! The only way to say goodbye these days is the much acclaimed “ Corona Handshake” to master and crew.

Shifting a vessel from one harbor to other. Easy and safe maneuver. Turn area D=150m. Mooring area 110m.

assalamualaikum wr wb buat yang penasaran nih sama alat yang suka saya bawa kalo kerja, ini tampilannya ya teman2 terimakasih wassalamualaikum wr wb salma steady as she goes #berharap #pulih #harbourtug #pelabuhan

The transfer of pilots to and from seagoing vessels should not rely solely on mutual trust and good intentions.

Gabon, Baie du Prince, 2012.
Getting that nice fat lady alongside

Colombo Dockyard (CDPLC) of Sri Lanka has completed construction of a new pilot boat ordered by Japanese operator Kowa Company.