Article

Podcast: Maritime Pilot Safety and reducing the risk in pilot transfer operations


published on 4 July 2023 323 -

“The problem with statistics is that it’s a bummer when it’s you!”

― Arie Palmers, Maritime Pilot


This is an in-depth discussion of the risks involved in maritime pilot transfers; an interesting job but with a risky commute to work.

Sadly there have been 7 deaths associated with maritime pilot transfer operations already in the first 6 months of 2023. 

What are the current international regulations for ships and what are the barriers to reducing the risk? How can individuals, the industry, ports and ship builders make changes to save lives in the future?

Guests:

Andrew Moll, Chief Inspector at Marine Accident Investigation Branch 

Arie Palmers, Senior Maritime Pilot working in the Netherlands

Adam Parnell, Director at CHIRP Maritime Charitable Trust

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

Article Combinations Ladders: "1,000 combinations around" (by Arie Palmers)

by Arie Palmers, Netherlands - published on 13 July 2020

Before you, you see my third article on pilot boarding arrangements. After my two previous articles
(‘1000 ways to secure a pilot ladder’ and ‘1000 ladders around’, I have received a lot of feedback and
also questions to get deeper into the matter of combinations and embarkation platforms.

2

Article 1,000 ways to secure a Pilot Ladder

by Arie Palmers, Netherlands - published on 10 January 2020

From that moment on I have been keeping a tally of the non compliant boarding arrangements I see in front of me on a daily base, and off course I participate in the annual safety campaign, conducted by IMPA each october.

0

Article China wants to change pilot ladder regulations

published on 3 May 2022

China has already submitted proposals to the IMO regarding changes to SOLAS, Chapter 23, and IMO A.1045(27) in early 2021.

0

Video Barracuda Poole Pilot Boat

published on 7 September 2021

Barracuda comes to shepherd SS Shieldhall into Poole harbour on the 4th of September 2021. The day the biplane crashed in front of the Haven Hotel at Sandbanks.

0

Video EMMA Extension – Smart fairway digitalization pilot in Saimaa

published on 9 October 2020

The smart fairway digitalization pilot is a part of the EMMA Extension project that is funded by the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme. This summer, 34 smart buoys were installed in the Saimaa deep fairway, which is Finland’s most important inland waterway for merchant shipping.
Safety is enhanced in particular by the fact that the pilots and VTS can adjust the light output of beacons and the rhythm of lights to support the navigation of vessels in poor visibility and weather conditions....

1

Article 3 new vacancies for Marine Pilots added today

by Frank Diegel - published on 4 October 2021

We have currently researched 20 vacancies for Marine Pilots around the world. Take a look at our job section, where 3 new offers have been added today.

3

Article Pilot Tango: New pilotage provider in Denmark

published on 13 December 2022

Pilot Tango is a Danish State approved Pilot company providing pilotage through the Danish Strait – Route Tango (T)

1

Video Bellcraft pilot boat powered by Volvo Penta IPS

published on 23 March 2022

The busy Strait of Messina which separates the island of Sicily from the Italian mainland is now home to a new pilot boat, manufactured by Bellcraft and powered by Volvo Penta’s Inboard Performance System (IPS).

0

Article New SOLAS Amendments Mark Major Step Forward for Pilot Safety

published on 1 July 2025

The IMO has adopted groundbreaking amendments to SOLAS Regulation V/23, introducing mandatory performance standards for pilot transfer arrangements.

1

Video AIS track of MILANO BRIDGE on 6 April 2020 (Busan port)

published on 8 April 2020

According to AIS past track data, the vessel was obviously too fast on 9 knots and also going down the wind (4-5 bft., take a look at the exhaust from the stack) when entered the inner harbour considering the size and displacement. That speed was approximate 3 ship lengths to the pier and there was the on pier wind after the turn. Why the ship entered the port so fast will be the subject of the investigations to be awaited. Knowing South Korea procedures there will be no just marine...

0