Text by Baird Maritime, photo by Hin Lee Shipyard
China’s Hin Lee (Zhuhai) Shipyard has delivered a new pilot boat to the Hong Kong Pilots Association (HKPA).
The Camarc-designed Pilot 63 measures 17.3 by five metres and can reach speeds of up to 25 knots. The boat also possesses self-righting ability.
The newbuild will operate alongside sister vessel Pilot 62 in serving HKPA’s various clients.
It remains a sad fact that accidents and near misses continue to occur during pilot transfers with frightening regularity. Most of these fortunately do not result in injury, and a surprisingly high number of them are not even recognised for what they are.
Surveys into pilot ladder safety consistently reveal that unacceptably high numbers of pilot transfer arrangements are not compliant with the regulations.
