Article

The International Pilot - Issue Number 48 / July 2020


by IMPA - International Maritime Pilots’ Association - published on 22 December 2021 62 -

Fellow Pilots,

“First of all, I wish to convey my deep appreciation for the work done by all the members of IMPA during this pandemic. Like all seafarers, as essential workers involved in port operations, you are contributing greatly to ensure the delivery of essential goods, in particular, medical equipment and pharmaceuticals which are desperately needed at present.”

This message from IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim in a May, 2020, letter he sent us, is possibly the most gratifying mark of appreciation for the work done by maritime pilots throughout the world during Covid 19. Pilots have truly risen to the occasion, we have adapted our practices as appropriate, and we have helped keep vital supply chains open during one of the darkest time the global community has seen in decades. All pilots in the world can take great pride in this.

They say every crisis presents an opportunity. What is ours? In a world engulfed by change and uncertainty, perhaps it is to provide continuity, and certainty. The certainty that pilots everywhere are steadily doing their job, keeping traffic and trade going, thereby making a very real contribution to the collective good.

We are not heroes. We are as concerned for our health and our loved ones as anyone else. But, by continuing to do our jobs in the most professional manner possible and staying the course, we end up making a difference.

At the same time, a rapidly-changing world is sometimes a bit like a stampede – with fragmented interests trying to take advantage by questioning practices and approaches that have stood the test of time. So, while it is always important to keep an open mind, it is also important to remain cautious.

With some borders still closed, it might also be easy to think that we are now a bit like tidal pools, abandoned by a etreating sea, and therefore a little more separated from one another. Having to take the extraordinary step of postponing our biennial Congress to next year might also add to such a feeling. But, for my part and, I know, for the other members of the Association’s executive as well, if anything, the crisis we have gone through together has reinforced the formidable cohesion and comradeship of pilots worldwide.

I have been in touch with many of you over the last months and I see firsthand how pilots are resilient. Undoubtedly, there are still significant challenges ahead but, by staying well-coordinated and continuing to demonstrate flair in the conduct
of our affairs, I believe pilots will remain wellpositioned, not only to face future challenges but to make a signification contribution to the world’s relaunch.

I very much look forward to soon seeing you again!

Simon Pelletier
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Video Kittiwake Mersey Pilot

published on 22 December 2021

KITTIWAKE ( MMSI 232008570) is a Pilot and currently sailing under the flag of United Kingdom (UK) Here she is speeding down the River this morning.

0

Video Polaris Pilot Boat Antwerp Belgium

published on 15 March 2022

Vessel name: Polaris ; Year built: 2012 ; Flag: Netherlands ; Homeport: Rotterdam Length: 81.2m X 13.3m ; GRT: 2501 ; Callsign: PBZN ; MMSI:245142000 ; IMO: 9496915 Type: Special Vessel / Pilot Ship A "Pilot Ship / Pilot Vessel" is a "special type" of ship in which it accommodates a certain and limited Marine Pilots (Sea, River, Harbor Pilots), it also carries small boats/crafts that are used to tender services to and from the Pilot ship. In a Pilot Vessel, the Pilots can take their time...

1

Video Pilot Leaving Ship Vigo

published on 31 March 2023

0

Article MOL and Partners Set World Records for Time and Distance in Autonomous Navigation with Sea Trial Using Large Commercial Car Ferry

published on 8 February 2022

TOKYO-Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., together with its two group companies and the following consortium partners, today announced the completion of a successful sea trial of autonomous sailing using a large commercial coastal car ferry, in a voyage from the Tomakomai Port, Hokkaido Prefecture to the Oarai Port, Ibaraki Prefecture.

1

Article “Tragedy Strikes as Maritime Pilot Dies in Pilot Transfer Accident”

published on 11 January 2023

UKMPA press release on the death of Captain Pilot Francesco Galia. A tribute.

1

Video Pilotage in Kenya: a really dangerous job

published on 8 March 2021

This video shows the reality of pilots in Kenya.

2

Video Kiel Canal: Collision with Holtenau High Bridge (Holtenauer Hochbrücke)

published on 1 December 2022

The Finnish special vessel "Meri" collided with Holtenau High Bridge (Holtenauer Hochbrücke) over the Kiel Canal early on 30 Nov 2022 morning at around 4.37 am.

2

Article S-100 Charts - New Bathymetry, Surface Current and Tidal Standards

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 14 July 2020

The Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) wishes to promote the implementation of the new S-100 standards to provide mariners with access to additional information (bathymetry, surface currents and water levels) and greater versatility in the display of these data.

0

Video Harbor Pilot Boarding Disney Fantasy in 40 Kts of wind on what was the best lee side to be had

published on 19 September 2019

Harbor Pilot boarding Disney Fantasy in Port Canaveral in 40 Kts of wind during Hurricane Sandy, Fall, 2012.

0

Video New 17m Pilot Boat - A. H. Wadia Boat Builders, India

published on 8 November 2020

Twin Screw 350 HP Engines achieving top speed of 15 Knots.
Excellent maneuverability and stability.
Effortlessly performing Pilot operations at sea.
www.ahwadiaboat.com

0