Dock Master/Pilot

The Brightlingsea Harbour Commission of Essex, UK, recently took delivery of a new pilot boat built by Seaward Boat Development Company based on the Isle of Wight.

New guidance for PBAs with trapdoors. Released 4.11.2020 at NZMPA Conference in Dunedin, NZ. Distinct difference to suggestions in many other countries, is that we challenge operators who have the ladder suspended from the accommodation ladder (gangway) and not secured to the ship. SOLAS states that pilot ladder shall be secured to the ship, and securing strongpoints, shackles and ropes shall be as strong as the sideropes.

Pilot Boat working close to shore, but not the best of weather.

SOLAS/IMO/IMPA Regulations require additional safety measurements for pilot's boarding and disembarkation since recently. These magnetic holders of two types, one is manually set and the other is a remotely controlled one, fixes both pilot ladder and accommodation ladder (gangway) strongly onto the hull of the ship. Thus, the pilot can climb more safely. We are negotiating with ISO, IMO, IMPA etc in order to standardize these items for pilot safety.

Check this out! Superyacht’s use pilot boats and maritime pilots to safety navigate the ship into port or to take her out to sea. The pilot has local knowledge of the port and immense details of those local waterways.
Here’s how the pilot climbs aboard!
#yachtworld #yachts #luxurylifestyle #yachtlife #yachting #pilot #marinepilot #superyacht #marineport

A wonderful poem by Gaylen K. Bunker found on YouTube. As read by the author from bis book "Poems".

Pilot boats Petrel, Kittiwake and Razorbill officially named in the Albert Dock, Liverpool back in April 2018. Each boat was officially named. Afterwards i was allowed onboard to have a sneak peak at Petrel, which a short video is included at the end of this video.

The SW England Branch debates the varied and critical role of the Harbourmaster.