Article

Capt. Kevin Vallance awarded the Merchant Navy Medal


by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 13 November 2020 689 -

We congratulate Captain Kevin Vallance on receiving the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service. He is known in our community as a man who is tireless in his efforts to improve safety on ships, especially the safety of pilot ladders. He is an active member of the #dangerousladders group on Facebook and has published several books on pilot ladders.

He is one of the best experts in his field and is well known far beyond his home country.
This award once again casts a spotlight on the safety of embarking and disembarking ships via ladders.
The team of Marine-Pilots.com would like to congratulate and thank you on behalf of our community for your great achievements over the past years.
We would like to refer you to his articles and books (see further content below the article), which are written to make pilot ladders safer.

In 2015 Her Majesty The Queen graciously signed the Royal Warrant for the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service.

The names of the first recipients were announced on Merchant Navy Day, 2 September 2016, by Shipping Minister John Hayes who went on to say:
"This new state award, with a place in the order of wear, is being awarded to those who are serving or have served in the Merchant Navy and fishing fleets of the UK, Isle of Man or Channel Islands for exemplary service and devotion to duty, rewarding those who have set an outstanding example to others. Coinciding with Merchant Navy Day, it provides an opportunity to remember the sacrifices of our brave seafarers of the past and to show our appreciation for British shipping today and in the future."
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Article Pilot Transfer Arrangements

by Captain Kevin Vallance MNI - published on 2 October 2019

Most pilot embarkations and disembarkations around the world, are still carried out using a traditional pilot ladder, consisting of wooden steps supported and secured by side ropes.

1

Article A contempt for pilot safety and total disregard for the contents of the SOLAS Convention.

by Captain Kevin Vallance MNI - published on 4 October 2019

Tuesday, October 1st is the start date of the latest International Maritime Pilot Association's annual Safety Campaign.

Previous campaigns by the association have consistently shown results of pilot ladder deficiencies around the 20% mark.

0

Article Origins of the IMPA pilot mark

by Kevin Vallance deep sea pilot and author - published on 24 October 2019

There are many things in both our everyday and professional lives which we take for granted and never question the origins of, an example of this might be the IMPA recommended ‘pilot mark or pilot line’, which is sometimes seen on the side of vessels indicating where a vessels freeboard exceeds 9 metres.

4

Article NTSB Report: Fatal accident under pilotage in Galveston, Texas (Jan 2020)

by NTSB National Transportation Safety Board - published on 5 November 2021

The National Transportation Safety Board issued Marine Accident Brief 21/21 Thursday for its investigation​ of the Jan. 14, 2020, fatal collision of the tanker Bow Fortune and commercial fishing vessel Pappy’s Pride near Galveston, Texas.

0

Article Safe and modern Ideas for Pilot Tranfer Arrangement

by AIMPA - All India Marine Pilots' Association - published on 29 April 2021

AIMPA organised a competition to author a Research paper on Pilot ladder - risk mitigation innovation and alternatives to Pilot Transfer arrangement.

0

Article Awards 2021 - Best Large Pilot Boat by Hart Marine: "Mantaray"

published on 24 May 2022

The Australian company Hart Marine specialises in building pilot and patrol boats of the highest quality.This is not surprising, as the owner's father, Mal Hart, was a harbour master and therefore very familiar with the requirements of a pilot boat.

0

Video HMM - Maiden voyage of HMM Algeciras #8-Rotterdam-RWG

published on 23 June 2020

The maiden voyage of HMM Algeciras #8-Rotterdam-RWG: The birds-eye view of the largest mega containership in the world on 3 June 2020. Look at the port-side aspect moored starboard-side in Rotterdam.

0

Video Simulation of the Collision of Norwegian Warship HNoMS Helge Ingstad

published on 15 November 2019

The following is the video presentation from a joint investigation into the Nov. 8, 2018 collision of HNoMS Helge Ingstad and the merchant tanker Sola TS. Video from Accident Investigation Board Norway (AIBN) and the Defence Accident Investigation Board Norway (DAIBN)

0

Article Pilot boat catches fire off Singapore's coast

by todayonline.com - published on 11 September 2023

SINGAPORE — One person was taken to hospital after a small boat caught fire off Seraya Buoy, located in the waters off Singapore's south-west coast, on Monday (Sept 4) afternoon.

0

Video ProZero Workboats in the MOSES project2020

published on 25 January 2022

ProZero International are proud partners in the MOSES project2020 and in the video, you can learn more on our contributions to the project, and the expeceted outcome.
MOSES: Automated Vessels and Supply Chain Optimisation for Sustainable Short SEa Shippping

0