Article

Golden Gate – Versatile pilot boat to serve San Francisco Bay area


by Baird Maritime - published on 18 August 2023 94 -

Seattle, Washington-based boatbuilder Snow and Company has handed over a new all-aluminium monohull pilot boat to the San Francisco Bar Pilots of California. Designed by UK naval architecture firm Camarc Design, the aptly named Golden Gate utilises an existing pilot boat layout that has been updated with a refined hull for improved comfort and fuel efficiencies as well as a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system for further reducing emissions.

The San Francisco Bar Pilots selected a Camarc vessel as it offered benefits such as a sustained cruising speed of 25 knots, the ability to operate in bay waters even in heavy weather, self-righting ability, man overboard (MOB) recovery capability, excellent manoeuvrability, an ergonomic and adequately soundproofed interior layout, and the ability to connect to a shore charging facility to reduce generator emissions when requiring electrical power while pierside.

The new boat has an LOA of 73 feet (22.3 metres), a beam of 20.3 feet (6.2 metres), a maximum draught of just over 3.6 feet (1.1 metres), and space for two crewmembers and up to 12 pilots/passengers. The propulsion system consists of two MAN D2862 LE 438 1,200hp (882kW) US EPA Tier IV-compliant main engines driving Hamilton HTX52 waterjets via Twin Disc MGX 6599 SC gearboxes to deliver a speed of over 30 knots. A Humphree active ride control system optimises trim and reduces motions at speed.
Photo: Snow and Company
Photo: Snow and Company
Photo: Snow and Company
Photo: Snow and Company
The pilothouse is resiliently mounted to the hull structure with vibration isolation mounts for improved comfort even when underway. The crew and pilots have access to a day galley and other accommodation spaces.

The safety equipment includes a MOB recovery basket that can be controlled by only one person via the aft helm station. As the system has no lines, winches, or rigging, it may be safely used even near the boat’s waterjets and it ensures a greater chance of victim recovery in extreme conditions compared to hoist and line type systems.

The onboard systems, which also include radars from Furuno, draw power from two Northern Lights M944T3F 38kW generators. Fendering from Fender Innovations is fitted around the hull to provide impact protection.
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Video Is this a safe disembarkation?

published on 19 October 2021

At the end of the disembarking procedure, the pilot jumps on ropes onto the pilot boat. Is this often seen practice safe? Can the pilot resolve the situation better?

2

Video Pilot Vessel "Golden Gate" under the Golden Gate Bridge

published on 8 December 2021

Boat to boat Pilot transfer, to the Pilot Vessel Golden Gate, under the Golden Gate Bridge.

0

Article What is a Maritime Pilot? From "Crossing the Bar, The Adventures of a San Francisco Bay Bar Pilot" by Captain Paul Lobo

by Capt. Paul Lobo - published on 22 September 2020

Chapter 3 from the book "Crossing the Bar, The Adventures of a San Francisco Bay Bar Pilot" by Captain Paul Lobo, available on Amazon (link below)

1

Video Pilot Talks...! Pilot ki Baat. Episode 5

published on 8 April 2021

Welcome to our next episode of:- Pilot Talks... Pilot ki Baat..
Hosted by Capt. Vijay Sharma, Master Mariner @capt.vijay

0

Article Product Pirates risk the lives of Marine Pilots!

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 17 December 2019

PTR Holland® are aware that certain parties have copied and supply, low-quality imitations of our rope ladders through several ship-chandlers in Rotterdam, Houston, Greece and in Turkey.

0

Article DanPilot's half-year report reflects transition in a pressured market

by DanPilot - published on 5 October 2021

The first half of 2021 is a testament to the organisation of DanPilot, a pilotage company that has been diligently adapting to a smaller market as a result of the fallout from Covid-19.

0

Article Finnpilot to undergo reorganisation as of 1 October 2020

published on 28 September 2020

Finnpilot’s present six pilotage areas will be merged to form four pilotage areas. New District Managers have been appointed to head the pilotage areas. At the same time, an Operational Executive Committee will be established for Finnpilot. The organisational change, which was planned in close co-operation with the personnel, will take effect on 1 October 2020.

0

Article Information for Marine Pilots about novel coronavirus by Australian Government

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 10 February 2020

An information sheet for marine pilots about novel coronavirus. Published by the Australian Government - Department of Health

0

Video Pilot boat docks at historic icebreaker

published on 9 June 2023

03.06.2023 Pilot boat docks at historic steam icebreaker Szczecin, for Kiel Canal Lock Brunsbüttel

0