The first volume of Pilots concentrated on the stories of American and British schooners. Volume 2 enters what for many will be a less familiar world... that of the remarkable pilot brigs and small undecked craft. Schooners range from the Hiates of Portugal to the beautiful station boats of the North Sea ports of Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, and France. The development of the schooners themselves into such highly sophisticated craft is traced from regional predecessors. Volume 2 of Pilots is not just about boats — the sailors also have their role. The book follows highly difficult manoeuvres under sail, dangerous transfers at sea, the routine of everyday life, and the perils of heavy weather including ships wrecked and lives saved. All aspects of a spectacular and previously unpublished maritime tradition are considered, not forgetting the competitions between pilots to be the best crews.
Read more...
Video On Call with the River Tyne Pilot Boat ⚓ Real Life, Real Action
published on 13 November 2025
Join me for a full shift working on the River Tyne as part of the pilot boat crew — serving ships, surveying the river, using our underwater drone, and even lifting the boat out for essential repairs. From early starts to emergency call-outs, this video gives you a real look behind the scenes at life on the water. ⚙️ What’s in this video: Pilot boat duties & ship transfers River Tyne survey missions Underwater drone footage Boat maintenance and lift-out Responding to emergency call-outs 🎥...
Article BELCINAC – Compact pilot boat to operate in France’s Seine river
by Baird Maritime - published on 22 November 2023
Video Pilot Vessel "Golden Gate" under the Golden Gate Bridge
published on 8 December 2021
Video Pivot Point Demo - HS Wismar
published on 10 July 2020
Article Tanger Med establishs 3D nautical simulation and expertise center
published on 24 November 2020
Video Bristol Pilots LLP - Video
published on 18 September 2019
What does a Bristol Pilot do? This is a short film we made for Bristol Pilots LLP to show what it is these guys do - from climbing up the side of oil tankers in the middle of the night, to bringing in huge ships through a lock with inches to spare either side - the Bristol Pilots do an amazing job.
Video The History of the Tugboat
published on 27 June 2022
