Opinion

Obituary of Captain Pilot Troy Evans (New Zealand)


by Frank Diegel - published on 5 January 2022 2208 -

Picture courtesy of www.stuff.co.nz
Many people we know only through the internet and we communicate by mail, chat or via social media. But this is also a way to build stable relationships and a good working relationship.

I was very surprised when, in the last days of November last year, I received a call via Facebook messenger from a familiar contact on the other side of the world. It was Troy Evans, a captain and pilot in the port of Tauranga, in northern New Zealand. I had never heard his real voice before, although I had already communicated with him so much via the internet.

His voice sounded familiar. I didn't quite understand what the real reason for his call was. His voice was a bit weak, but he was keen to speak to me in person. He thanked me for my work and for initiating our website, just as I thanked him for his great contributions to the safety of pilots worldwide, which we put out into the world. The messenger call had then left me a little perplexed, ashamed and also a little distraught after we had finished it. It sounded very much like a goodbye.

I knew that he had been struggling with the treacherous disease Parkinson's for some years. I had not yet fully understood the full implications of first and last call, but I had been very moved by it. Today, it concerns me even more than it did in November last year.
Picture courtesy of www.stuff.co.nz
Picture courtesy of www.stuff.co.nz
Picture courtesy of www.stuff.co.nz
Picture courtesy of www.stuff.co.nz
It was only when the first news of his death reached me on 30 December that I fully understood why he had called me. He had finished with his life at that time and he was aware of his imminent death. That makes this conversation we had all the more weighty and I will never forget it.

I have a great respect for the man Troy Evans and what he did for the safety of pilots all over the world. He deserves not to be forgotten and he will continue to be with us in our lives with the results of his work.

I would like to thank Troy today for what he has left us. We will cherish his work and I will never tire of spreading the word about his results and experiences.

The international pilotage community has lost a great campaigner for greater safety on pilot ladders in Capt Troy Evans.

Somehow it makes sense that the ladder used by sea pilots to board ships is called Jacob's Ladder.... It leads them out of the stormy waters and into the safety of the huge ships. And the job of the pilots on the ship is to bring the ship safely into port. Troy Evans has made his final port of call, and I hope he is now in a better world for it. I will never forget him.

Our thoughts are with the late Captain Troy Evans. May his soul rest in peace. And may his family and friends find comfort in all the loving memories they shared with him.

Frank
found on social media by Arie Palmers
found on social media by Arie Palmers
found on social media by Arie Palmers
found on social media by Arie Palmers
Editor's note:
Opinion pieces reflect the personal opinion of individual authors. They do not allow any conclusions to be drawn about a prevailing opinion in the respective editorial department. Opinion pieces might be deliberately formulated in a pronounced or even explicit tone and may contain biased arguments. They might be intended to polarise and stimulate discussion. In this, they deliberately differ from the factual articles you typically find on this platform, written to present facts and opinions in as balanced a manner as possible.
Maritime software and hardware development, digitalisation

Join the conversation...

Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
se
sjaan evans New Zealand
on 11 January 2022, 09:49 UTC

Thank you so much for this wonderful reflection. His influence clearly was so universal. Miss him deeply.
1

AB
Adalberto René Borrego Argentina
on 7 January 2022, 01:10 UTC

R.I.P . Capt. troy evans
1

Read more...

Article Pilot ladders - bits and pieces and a bit of testing

by Capt. Troy Evans - published on 14 October 2020

The following article appeared in AIMPA magazine number 2 about the strength and testing of pilot ladders : There is much more information about pilot ladders in the AIMPA magazine, second issue, if you wish to read more you can download a copy at the bottom of this post.

1

Article Update: "Strength of Pilot Ladders and Intermediate Securing of Pilot Ladders"

by Capt. Troy Evans - published on 2 November 2020

An investigation into actual strength of ladders and intermediate securing methods used.
Capt. and Marine Pilot Troy Evans (New Zealand) decided to look into pilot ladder strength and intermediate securing arrangements after MNZ put out what he felt was a confusing and unclear document about securing of pilot ladders.

0

Video Accommodation Ladder Load Testing

published on 25 January 2022

Load Testing of Accommodation Ladder Set. The Test was carried out under Class Surveyor's supervision at Roads.

0

Video Sabine Pilots move into new headquarters in Port Arthur

published on 14 May 2021

The Sabine Pilots who help ships navigate their way up and down our waterways officially have a new place to call home.

0

Article AIMPA Journal- June 2021 issue XII

by AIMPA - All India Marine Pilots' Association - published on 17 June 2021

The All India Maritime Pilots' Association has released its new journal for June

1

Article Swimmer killed by Pilot Boat: The ports of Auckland are fined $424,000

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 4 August 2020

The Auckland District Court has fined the Ports of Auckland NZD424,000 (USD300,500) for exempting its pilot boats from speed limits in Waitemata Harbour after a swimmer was struck and killed (April 2017).

0

Article Lock in Kiel-Holtenau is back in operation after accident

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 4 September 2020

According to WSA Kiel-Holtenau: The northern chamber of the Great Lock has been put back into operation. Both chambers are available to the shipping industry.

2

Video "Sea Pilots" collection by Camp David. Original advertising video

published on 29 September 2020

Authentic Style! Die neue Kollektion Sea Pilots ist den Navigationsexperten gewidmet, die bei rauesten Bedingungen die größten Containerschiffe der Welt sicher in den Hafen lotsen. Plakative Prints, robuste Materialien, coole Signalfarben und sportliche Details spiegeln den Charakter der Linie wider. T-Shirts, Polos, Hemden, Pullover und Jacken werden von stylischen High Top Sneakern perfekt abgerundet. Jetzt entdecken!

0

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.

1