Podcast: Marine pilot support staff help make it all happen

The Bridgemans Services Group has taken delivery of a new search and rescue (SAR) boat that can also be used for pilot transfer, firefighting, and pollution response duties.

Ship Report take a look at a prominent boat in the Astoria community: the pilot boat Peacock. She’s on display on the grounds of the Columbia River Maritime Museum, and you can’t miss her as you drive through town.

The Port of Tyne Authority Pilot boat taking a pilot out to the BG freight line ship BG orange

Although it cannot be said that ship piloting is the world’s oldest profession, most maritime experts do agree that pilotage does date back to antiquity.

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;

It’s not always calm seas, helicopters and fast speedboats. In the third weekend storm this year, the pilot embarks MV VERA D by fast launch craft of the Pilot Station Vessel PROCYON. It takes professional teamwork by Pilotboat crew, the ship VERA D and VTS to board these ships in the harshest conditions in a violent Northsea. Well done and thanks to all players involved!

This video explains the impact of lateral resistance on the turning circle of a vessel using animations. The video explains the term lateral resistance, shows an example of its impact on the turning circle and its associated aspects (advance, transfer, tactical diameter and drift angle).
Contents of this video will benefit mariners preparing for exams (written and oral examinations).

London Pilots (PLA) have issued an excellent quick reference guide for Pilot Transfer arrangements, which can be used for pilots as well as ship’s crews. Please take not of this document and if you can, try to incorporate it into your procedures.

Do you ever leave the harbour to get on a vessel you will guide along without a ritual? Whatever we trust in, whatever the rituals or traditions you Marine Pilots have - when you board your pilot boats, climb the ladders, get the vessels through the harbour - keep them and cherish them, they are good and they are important.