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

Video Newcastle marine pilot transfer by helicopter

published on 9 September 2024

Did you know? In Newcastle, marine pilot transfers are carried out mostly by helicopter. Helicopter transfers are used for several reasons including pilot safety and efficiency, and as the largest bulk shipping port on Australia’s East Coast, that’s the name of the game! #PortAuthorityofNSW #marinepilotage #helicopter #newcastle #newcastleharbour #shipping ••• Port Authority of New South Wales manages the navigation, security and operational safety needs of commercial shipping in Sydney...

0

Article New Pilot Ladder Magnet Is Switchable

published on 29 June 2021

On the back of the long-standing success of the Yellow-Mag ll Pilot Ladder Magnet worldwide, Serpent & Dove—Applied Magnetics is introducing its patented Yellow-Mag lll Switchable Pilot Ladder Magnet.

0

Article Survey: Sustainability in Maritime Pilotage

by Ship senior pilot Seyed Behbood Issazadeh - published on 21 August 2025

The maritime sector is experiencing a significant shift due to escalating environmental issues, changing regulatory frameworks, and heightened public demands for sustainability. During this transformation, marine pilots are essential;

0

Article Finnpilot in 2020: the continuity of pilotage activities was safeguarded through successful protective measures

published on 31 March 2021

The successful protective measures implemented by Finnpilot Pilotage contributed to ensuring the continuity of Finland’s foreign trade, also amid the coronavirus pandemic. The number of pilotage assignments decreased significantly along with the decline in vessel traffic.

0

Opinion Fathom Safety: "A Guide to Pilot Ladder Securing"

by Frank Diegel - published on 7 October 2020

Fathom Safety was established as a not for profit organisation dedicated to improving maritime pilot transfer safety. Here is a guide to pilot ladder rigging. We hope you like it!

3

Video Launching Pilot Boat Indonesia

published on 21 February 2023

Launching Pilot boat di Galangan Kapal Yasa Wahana Tirta Samudera, Semarang

0

Video Barracuda & TCII in Mays storm (Safehaven Marine)

published on 1 June 2022

Here's a nice little video of sea trials during the recent unseasonal storm we had last month, which produced some pretty rough conditions at the entrance to Cork Harbour. We managed to capture some nice footage of the Barracuda and Thunder Child II on the day.

0