Marine Pilot

Based on Pilot, Tug Master and Ship Captain Questionnaires

Compiled by:

Captain Henk Hensen FNI FITA Captain Daan Merkelbach FITA Captain F. van Wijnen MNI

This survey on pilot ladder safety was initiated by Ewan Rattray. It is supported and recommended by well-known heads of the #dangerousladders Facebook group like Kevin Vallance, Arie Palmers and others.

The Port of Townsville has welcomed the newest addition to its fleet of pilot boats with the arrival of the newly built MANTARAY. The $3.3 million, custom-built vessel utilises high-tech equipment and design to maximise safety and efficiency for pilot transfers.

A harbor pilot has the difficult job of bringing ships into port. A candidate for Albay Yacht Club has invited me to document the process. I went with Jud, the harbor pilot.

The CMA CGM JACQUES SAADE, our new flagship, is the first of a series of nine sister ships, a homogeneous LNG-powered fleet.
An innovation-packed feat, a pioneering choice that aims at preserving air quality.
The result of 7 years of research and development.
More than a flagship, a vision.

Манёвр судна с помощью двух буксиров, заходящего в речку частично крытой льдом.
Inbound vessel maneuver with two tugs assistance doing river passage partly covered by ice.
LOA=140m, B=23m.

#OilChemicalTanker Ship "TSURUGI GALAXY"/ #RioDeLaPlataPilots #DisembarkingManeuver/ On board #PilotVessel "SEA PILOT"/ #JP #KM239_1 #PuntaIndioChannel #Recalada #BoardingPoint #RioDeLaPlata #Argentina - 03rd. June 2026 - 08:52 hs. (Local Time).- This video (original sound) was filmed on board Pilot Vessel "SEA PILOT" and shows the Oil Chemical Tanker Ship "TSURUGI GALAXY", when she arrived at #BoardingPoint to start with the Disembarking Maneuver of Rio de la Plata Pilots. This maneuver...

Tuesday, October 1st is the start date of the latest International Maritime Pilot Association's annual Safety Campaign.

Previous campaigns by the association have consistently shown results of pilot ladder deficiencies around the 20% mark.

In this episode, we are joined by Arie Palmers, a maritime pilot with over 16 years of experience. Arie provides an in-depth overview of the safety and challenges faced daily by maritime pilots. Check out Arie’s LinkedIn profile for access to the "Weekly Ladder Misery", where you’ll find golden insights into the safe practices that maritime pilots should follow. We’ll cover crucial topics such as: 1️⃣ Challenges and dangers of being a maritime pilot 2️⃣ Understanding good practices for...

In this issue:
- Feauture Article - Performance Standards for Marine Simulation
- Presidents Report
- The Changes in Piloting over 18 years
- Facts & Furphies about Portable Pilot Units