Pilots are expert ship handlers who possess detailed knowledge of local waterways. They are transported by high speed "Pilot Boat" or helicopter from shore to an inbound ship and from an outbound ship back ashore. Most ports have compulsory pilotage.

Video by Andy Mabbett, UK

A lovely morning for the arrival of the Royal Caribbean International Majesty of the Seas into Portsmouth International Port. Apologies for my basic editing but the overlays in each corner provide an idea of what my tugs azimuth thrusters were doing along the way with the sliders showing engine and propeller power. The Damen Shipyards Group ASD 2411 'MARKSMAN' of SMS Towage is an awesome tug with 70t Bollard Pull. This ensures the customer's v/l is handled safely during her arrival.

P.S. Don't all shout about how rubbish the driver was at once Haha.

An authentic report by Marine Pilot Capt. Agha Umar Habib (Port of Sohar, Oman) about a dramatic incident on July 23, 2019.

Found on YouTube. Created by "Haven Pilots".

Lock down at Port of Milford Haven
Pilots Maximus and Minimus

The Port Pilot, by Richard Blanco. In _Looking for The Gulf Motel_, 2012, University of Pittsburgh Press.

On December 1st 2019 Dublin Port received a delivery of a new Pilot Boat - DPC Tolka.

This 1,195 horsepower 17.1m Orc vessel with a 5.3m Beam & Range 150 can reach greater distances and will allow Dublin Port’s highly skilled marine pilots to board larger ships in all weathers.

DPC Tolka has allowed Dublin Port to upgrade equipment in line with customer investment in new ships and additional capacity on existing routes.

Designed by French Naval Architect Pantocarene for both fuel efficiency and performance in challenging weather conditions, DPC Tolka features the latest navigational and safety equipment on board, including a dedicated Pilot workstation in the wheelhouse and hydraulic Man Overboard Recovery Platform at the stern.

Recently, Svitzer took an important step towards strengthening its presence in Africa by signing a five-year contract with Nacala Logistics in Mozambique for harbour towage, occasional pilot transfer and potential salvage work in the port of Nacala. At the same time, Svitzer also secured a five-year extension of its current contract with Egyptian LNG assisting the land-based Idku LNG plant with four tugs, two mooring boats and one pilot boat.

Found on YouTube. Created by "Houston Maritime Education Center and Museum".

Ships don't exactly have brakes. Lou Vest, a retired Houston ship channel pilot tells us about a close encounter between a ship and a barge.

https://houstonmaritime.org

Found on YouTube. Created by "British Pathé"

Goodwin Sands, Kent.

M/S bows of Trinity House ship "Ready". L/S "Tongue" lightship at sunset. Panning M/S from side to front of service ship (deck level). M/S lightship. M/S bridge of service ship, lightship passes. L/S two ships, pan to lightship.

C/U ship's telegraph coming to "stop". M/S seaman pulls fresh water hose to lightship. L/S deck of service ship, general activity. C/U provisions waiting to be transported to lightship. M/S men passing food between ships. L/S side of service ship, men watching. C/U hose connected, pan up to lightship. C/U officer on service ship.

C/U officer on lightship waving, pan to service ship pulling away. C/U seaman on lightship. M/S on lightship, sailor W. Brown, climbs ladder to lamp. M/S inside tower, sailor switches on lamp, pan to gears. C/U gears. M/S swinging lamp. Various shots light mirrors revolving. L/S moon over water.

Inside lightship. Various shots of seamen relaxing playing cards, smoking and chatting. M/S lightship master operating radio. Night shot revolving lamp.
FILM ID:1371.3

Found on YouTube. Created by "marinerong turagsoy"