Trainee Marine Pilot / Hull, GB

When publishing articles or pictures about pilots and their pilot ladders, very often we see the use of backpacks. The use of backpacks is controversial, since its weight, or buoyancy, can influence the functioning of the lifejacket used.

In the last couple of years several paid as well as free tools have made it easier than ever to access vessels on a map. Although vessels shown on a map have their place, authorities and industry are understanding the greater potential and value of the underlying AIS data.

When a vessel navigates in confined waters, such as in a harbour or narrow channel, it is well known among experienced pilots that the ship handling is greatly affected by the hydrodynamic forces and moments acting between ship and bank or sidewall of the channel.

As the world struggles with the Covid-19 virus, the maritime world is being hit hard, not only economically, but also socially and operationally. Iin shipping there are no borders.

Who has ever boarded a helicopter? What was the feeling like?

by Rhys Davies, current Apprentice. Published already in Feb. 2020 by ABP.

Pilot jumping onboard the Carnival Luminosa at Cairns from the pilot boat .

SeaSafe - Marine pilot falling off a ships ladder with his integrated life jacket coat