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

Article Study "Master (M. Eng.) Maritime Pilotage" in Germany

by Hochschule Wismar, University of Applied Sciences, Technology, Business and Design - published on 7 August 2024

Neuer Studiengang ab dem Wintersemester 2024/2025!
New degree programme from winter semester 2024/2025!

1

Video Pilot Boat DEURLOO (Westerschelde Vlissingen - NL), Access to Antwerp

published on 30 May 2025

Pilot Boat in Action
Westerschelde Vlissingen NL
Access to Antwerpen

0

Video Riding with the Savannah Pilots

published on 25 October 2020

Over the course of 4 days this August, I was afforded the opportunity and privilege of riding with the Savannah Bar Pilots for an article I was writing for a major maritime magazine. The pilots are given the responsibility of boarding a vessel in the Atlantic Ocean and safely navigating the vessel up the Tybee Road 9 (a name for the shipping lane that leads into the Savannah River), into the Savannah River, and into the Port of Savannah. The same is done in reverse when a ship is outbound...

1

Video MV Arvin 17.01.21 - Moment of breaking of the ship

published on 7 February 2021

On 17.01.2021, at 12:35 pm, the research conducted by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure based on the distress signal received from the Satellite Assisted Search and Rescue System (Cospas-Sarsat system), it was found that the Palau flagged Arvin ship was sunk, and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Main Search and Rescue Coordination Center Search and rescue elements were immediately dispatched to the region. Due to adverse weather conditions, the ship anchored in the...

0

Video OMC International DUKC® - Port of Melbourne

published on 14 October 2019

Footage of deep tanker Felicity navigating through the treacherous waters of the Port Philip Heads channel entrance.

0

Video View and track defects on vessels in the Saab Pilot Control program

published on 26 August 2020

This is a description of how to view and track defects on vessels in the Saab Pilot Control program.

1

Video Working in Washington (Pilot transfer)

published on 23 January 2022

In this video I am performing a job on Commencement Bay in Tacoma. I am picking up a Pilot and dropping him off on an inbound ship so he can bring it to the dock safely.

0