Article

Ship Report Podcasts: Pilot boats - a special breed

published on 6 November 2021 - 56 -

Show comment section |

Today a look at a special vessel that is commonly seen on the Astoria waterfront: the pilot boat that takes pilots to and from passing ships. These boats are specially designed for demanding work that other boats avoid at all costs – coming in contact with the hull of a moving ship, and transporting pilots safely as they do a dangerous job.

Pilot Boats

What's your opinion on this?

Video Not an easy pilot boarding in rough conditions: Milford Haven - 15-01-15

published on 10 March 2021

Crude Oil Tanker British Robin passing St Anns Head on a rather windy day in Pembrokeshire.

Video Pilots Take on Rough Seas

published on 24 March 2022

Unless you were paying attention on your last cruise, you might have missed the pilot boat bringing the pilot out to your cruise ship.

Video Belfast Pilot boarding at sea

published on 5 May 2023

Video Pasaia Pilot boats on duty

published on 6 January 2026

Pilot boats in action. The key elements for a safe pilot transfer.

Article Vessel Review by Baird Maritime: "DPC Dodder" - Ireland

by Baird Maritime - published on 29 August 2022

Dublin Port Company (DPC) of Ireland has taken delivery of a new pilot boat from UK-based Goodchild Marine Services. DPC Dodder is the second pilot boat in a series to be built by Goodchild Marine for the same owner.

Video Pilot Boat Draco (Netherlands)

published on 10 October 2022

Article First Pilot Station Steers a Course for Seably Online Maritime Training

published on 5 November 2021

The Varna Pilot Station in Bulgaria has chosen Seably, the global online marketplace for bespoke maritime learning, to become the first pilot station to use the digital platform for its training.

Opinion Harbor Pilots, the Boeing 737 MAX and Automation

by Capt. Jim Wright , Southwest Alaska Pilots Association (retired) - published on 5 March 2020

The debate is whether highly skilled pilots could have successfully overcome the recent Boeing 737 MAX computer deficiencies. Will this question eventually be relevant to harbor pilot skills?

Video The River Pilot Vessel Relief Picks Up A River Pilot At Temco Portland In Portland, Oregon.

published on 11 April 2022

Article Swedish Club: Pilot ladder in poor condition

published on 3 August 2022

In it´s August 2022 monthly safety scenario, the Swedish Club describes an accident where a pilot had fallen into the water, after one of the side ropes of the ladder broke.