There are many things in both our everyday and professional lives which we take for granted and never question the origins of, an example of this might be the IMPA recommended ‘pilot mark or pilot line’, which is sometimes seen on the side of vessels indicating where a vessels freeboard exceeds 9 metres.

During the transit time on the pilot launch between the shore and the vessel, marine pilots will spend at least a portion of that time carrying out (either consciously or subconsciously) a risk assessment of the forthcoming operation.

Over the past few years a number of pilot transfer accidents have occurred resulting from total failure of the side ropes, one school of thought is that the methods of securing a pilot ladder is a factor in such occurrences.

The pilot leaps to his boat accompanied by claps and exclamations of; "Bravo!".

photo and article by Luis Vale, Portugal

The pilot plays a crucial role in the safe navigation of the vessel to her destination. Expert in the local waters, a Pilot is imperative to the Bridge Team. Berthing/un-berthing, anchoring, transiting narrow channels etc. are very specialized operations and require expertise of a very objective manner that results in efficient planning, monitoring and execution of safe passage. When a ship needs to enter or leave a harbor, marine pilots are sent aboard via a small pilot boat to safely...

SWATH build by Abeking & Rasmussen (Germany)

If you own, operate or command a foreign-flagged ship entering an Australian port, you may be subject to a port State control inspection by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Help prepare your ship for compliance by watching the video below and visiting our website for more pre-inspection resources.

Jet propulsion and an intergrated rescue system.
The boat is in a really good shape!