Pilot boat Lorient harbor - Storm Ulla 2014

The three main french pilotage stations in the Channel - North Sea have changed their recruitment conditions for taking a pilotage examination.

The technology group Wärtsilä will supply a complete navigational simulator upgrade for the Le Havre pilot station in France. The intention is to provide the pilot station with a totally new simulator specifically adapted to the requirements of the pilots’ operations. The order with Wärtsilä was placed in February 2020.The new unique visualisation system to be supplied is based on 14 DP projectors, comprising seven main circular and seven ground projection systems. It features a panoramic 350-degree screen.

A new generation Pilot Boat ! - One of the first IPS propelled workboat - A service speed of 30 knots - A lightweight and solid construction in aluminium - Fast crew operations and low running costs The specifications of this boat have been carefully studied to optimise performance and reliability, while minimising running costs, especially fuel consumption. Both light and powerful, this new 12-metre craft is capable of rapid turnarounds at a service speed of 30 knots. More information on...

Video from Brixham, UK

Floating pilot transfer station for the provision of pilots in the Weser estuary / German Bight sets sail again after a stay of several hours for supplies at Willy Brandt Platz on the Weser. The ship is approx. 61 metres long, 25 metres wide and has a draught of approx. 6.4 metres. It was completed at the Abeking & Rasmussen shipyard in 2010. The catamaran-style hull construction is striking. Slight distortions in the picture are due to the stabilisation in Google Photos.
Original sound...

A compilation of shots of the various pilot launches that work off Point Lonsdale, Victoria, Aust. Three pilot companies work out of Queenscliff servicing the Ports of Melbourne and Geelong. These boats are out in rough weather if need be, to keep the shipping moving. Port Phillip Sea Pilots , Auriga Pilotage Group and Poseidon Pilots all have Hart Marine boats built in Mornington in Victoria.
Ship spotting at Point Lonsdale and other water activities by Wally on Water.

During 2022 Saab’s shipyard in Docksta has delivered two Pilot Boats to Germany. In December a contract for a new Pilot Boat for Germany was signed.

Biscayne Bay Pilots

We take a look at some of the dangerous ladder arrangements provided by ships when attempting to take maritime pilots on board. Our message is simple: if you are offered an unsafe or non-compliant ladder, do not board!

More than 90,000 pageviews in 3 months. Thank you!