Article

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

published on 4 July 2023 - 323 -

Show comment section |

“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

Listen here

What's your opinion on this?

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.

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.

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.

Article Best Medium Pilot Boat "Spirit" by Hart Marine

by Baird Maritime - published on 23 April 2025

Australia’s high-tech FRP specialist boat builder Hart Marine has been building pilot, patrol and rescue boats for a couple of decades. That experience tells as the boats continually improve from an already high base.

Video The Physics of Golden Ray Capsize - part 1 Phenomenon

published on 5 June 2021

This video provides another possible physics that could also cause the Ro/Ro Ship Golden Ray to capsize in 2019 in a very benign environment. At the time of this video posted, Golden Ray salvage is still going on and the cost of this event was estimated to pass $3/4 billion so far.
The book info can be found at Faiteve inc
https://www.faiteve.com/

Video Lesath and Procyon. Pilot vessels at the Port of Rotterdam

published on 25 February 2020

Article The Future of Harbour and Sea Pilots: Opportunities and Challenges in the Digital Age

by Sven Stemmler - published on 18 November 2025

This expert article is based on a presentation given by Capt. Pilot Sven Stemmler at the MCN's (Maritimes Cluster Norddeutschland e. V. ) event ‘On the Future of the Pilot Profession’ at Fraunhofer CML in Hamburg on 9 September 2025.

Video Pilotos Prácticos del Pacífico S.A.S / Pacific Pilot's S.A.S (Versión Extendida Inglés)

published on 13 January 2021

Pilotos Prácticos del Pacífico S.A.S / Pacific Pilot's S.A.S (Versión Extendida Inglés)

Video Timelapse | Ship picks up anchor and proceeds to berth - Singapore straits

published on 18 March 2022

Timelapse of my ship's transit from AEPA Anchorage in eastern Singapore harbour to Universal Terminal Singapore, in the western part of the harbor. The pilot took us out into the traffic lane to avoid inshore traffic. #merchantnavy #deckofficer #tankership #maritime Do enjoy and subscribe for more. Instagram: @officervikrant Facebook: fb.com/officervikrant Hi, this is Vikrant. I am a Trainee navigating officer in the merchant navy, soon to be a 3rd officer. Follow me on instagram and...