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 All aspects of a spectacular and previously unpublished maritime tradition are considered, not forgetting the competitions between pilots to be the best crews.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 OMC International - Suezmax Tanker - Case Study
published on 14 October 2019
Video Tales from a Great Lakes Pilot
published on 9 February 2026
Great Lakes Pilot Eric Treece joined us in the Virtual Visitor Center for an interview about his career as a fleet captain and his experiences now as a pilot working aboard a variety of ships. In the course of the conversation, he shares some spectacular photos he has taken over the years. TECHNICAL NOTE: there are a few audio glitches we could not correct but it only impacts a few spots.
Article Winter Edition of the BPC Pilotage Quarterly published
published on 10 January 2023
Video Galtex Pilots disembarking Carnival Breeze in rough seas on Nov. 30 2023
published on 13 December 2023
Video Halifax pilot boat in big swells alongside a ship
published on 3 November 2021
Video Berthing alongside ice is not easy
published on 4 March 2021
