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 HMM - Maiden voyage of HMM Algeciras #6-Yantian-departure

published on 17 June 2020

See the world’s largest containership (24,000 TEU) departing Yantian with a world record number of TEU’s on board (19,621 TEU). Wishing you ‘fair wind and following seas’ HMM Algeciras, through to Suez (25th May) then beyond to Rotterdam (ETA 3rd June), Hamburg (7th June), Antwerp (11th June) & London Gateway (14th June).

0

Video "Out of control"container ship prompts temporary closure of Ravenel Bridge; remains anchored outside

published on 10 June 2024

"Out of control" container ship prompts temporary closure of Ravenel Bridge; remains anchored outside Charleston Harbor

0

Article Wärtsilä to supply one of Europe’s most advanced simulators to Finland

published on 22 November 2023

Technology group Wärtsilä will supply its latest simulator technology for a new maritime training centre in Finland.

0

Video Perfect Simulation: Ever Given Accident in 2D plus 3D

published on 21 April 2021

On the 23rd of March 2021 the VLCC Ever Given grounded in the Suez Canal. A strong southerly wind (between 6 and 7 BFT) plus so-called bank shear caused steering issues. This a combined 2D and 3D reconstruction of the incident based on recorded AIS data.

1

Video Pilot boarding on Pilot Boat "Virginia"

published on 22 July 2022

#pilotboat #ship #seafarer
Pilot boat Virginia
Buhay seaman
Copyright: None of my videos, or part of any video, can be used without written permission

0

Article Tonci Regjo: Split Harbour Pilot

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 19 September 2019

Text and photos by Tonci Regjo
Pilot for the Split Harbour

0