Opinion

Pilotage Wisdom


by Frank Diegel - published on 1 September 2020 -  500 -

Let us remind ourselves every day of the principles of safe seamanship!

Routine, negligence or even inexperience are the breeding ground for every disaster.


Daniel Defoe
was an English narrator and novelist and intervened in political and religious disputes of his time with numerous pamphlets. He later added a "De" to his name, which gave his name an aristocratic sound.

He was - among other things - the author of the well-known book "Robinson Crusoe".

Daniel Foe was born the son of James Foe, a wealthy London tallow merchant and member of the "Worshipful Company of Butchers", and his wife Annie. The year and place of birth are not known with certainty. Various sources mention the years 1659 to 1662 as probable. Fore Street, Parish of St. Giles Cripple, London, is generally regarded as his birthplace.
Editor's note:
Opinion pieces reflect the personal opinion of individual authors. They do not allow any conclusions to be drawn about a prevailing opinion in the respective editorial department. Opinion pieces might be deliberately formulated in a pronounced or even explicit tone and may contain biased arguments. They might be intended to polarise and stimulate discussion. In this, they deliberately differ from the factual articles you typically find on this platform, written to present facts and opinions in as balanced a manner as possible.
Maritime software and hardware development, digitalisation
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Opinion Harbor Pilots, the Boeing 737 MAX and Automation

by Capt. Jim Wright , Southwest Alaska Pilots Association (retired) - published on 5 March 2020

The debate is whether highly skilled pilots could have successfully overcome the recent Boeing 737 MAX computer deficiencies. Will this question eventually be relevant to harbor pilot skills?

0

Video A day in the life of the Briggs Marine Pilot Launch Vessels

published on 21 February 2020

Briggs Marine invited High Impact Media (https://media.hi-impact.co.uk/) to spend a few hours on one of our Pilot Launch Vessels to help us demonstrate the day to day efforts of our crew in Liverpool.

0

Opinion Heroes or Hostages?

by Ivana-Maria Carrioni-Burnett - published on 1 October 2020

“Definitions": ‘Hero’: person who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities OR person greatly admired for their exceptional qualities or achievements

‘Hostage’: person seized or held for the fulfilment of a condition OR person who is illegally held prisoner until certain demands are met by others

0

Opinion How to recognise a fake pilot ladder

by Gary Clay - published on 4 May 2023

A counterfeit ladder is a pilot ladder that purports to be a genuine approved ladder, from a manufacturer that has been certified by an approved body in the manufacture of pilot ladders to a certified standards.

1

Video A Day in the Life of a Marine Pilot

published on 2 April 2025

As an island nation, over 98% of Australia’s trade moves through ports. At the heart of the trade supply chain are the North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) marine pilots. These highly skilled maritime professionals make sure the vessels carrying goods through our ports travel safely and efficiently. Take a look at a day in the life of an NQBP marine pilot at one of Queensland’s multi-commodity ports, the Port of Mackay. Read more https://nqbp.com.au/about-us/news/articles/a-day-in-...

0

Video Podcast: Making pilotage calls in adverse weather with Captain Joost Mulder

published on 20 August 2026

In this episode of the Wayfinder Podcast, we sit down with Captain Joost Mulder, a maritime pilot with over 20 years guiding vessels through the Port of Rotterdam, to break down how pilotage decisions actually get made in adverse weather. Captain Mulder walks us through: - How captains, pilots, and the harbor master share decision-making authority, and what happens when conditions turn borderline mid-transit - Why wind, more than current or wave height, is the biggest factor in port...

1

Video From EVER GOVERN to STEN FJELL via Pilot Vessel PROCYON

published on 29 September 2020

In this Time-lapse and Bodycam clip, the ULCS EVER GOVERN is underway to sea. There I am met by the Pilot Station Vessel PROCYON and transferred to the inbound MT STEN FJELL underway to Europoort again.

0

Video Maneuvering information onboard - Pilot Card, Wheelhouse Poster and ...

published on 14 July 2020

This video explains the IMO resolution on the provision and display of maneuvering information on board ships, particularly the pilot card, wheelhouse poster and maneuvering booklet. the layout and contents of each are explained as well. Contents of this video will benefit mariners preparing for exams (written and oral examinations). Mariners will also benefit by watching the following videos: Duties of the SAR mission coordinator: https://youtu.be/9J3q6XczIGE Duties of the on-scene...

0

Video Kiel Canal: Collision with Holtenau High Bridge (Holtenauer Hochbrücke)

published on 1 December 2022

The Finnish special vessel "Meri" collided with Holtenau High Bridge (Holtenauer Hochbrücke) over the Kiel Canal early on 30 Nov 2022 morning at around 4.37 am.

2