Pilot Boat Huron Belle Detroit to Port Huron

The pilot boat is a 1979 Gladding and Hearn, think of it as a 70s muscle car on water. The Deep-V hull does a great job of cutting through the waves while giving us good speed and maneuverability. On to the next one...
Some parts are sped up to fit 60 seconds.

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KITTIWAKE ( MMSI 232008570) is a Pilot and currently sailing under the flag of United Kingdom (UK) Here she is speeding down the River this morning.

Pilot boat launch in Youghal on July 2012.

Gustavus, AK – Armstrong Marine USA of Port Angeles, WA recently delivered the 45’8” x 16’ semi-displacement catamaran Serac to the National Park Service (NPS) for use in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.

Editors note: A film of a pilot boat has just been published on YouTube with the title "How Dangerous being in a Pilot Boat..." on YouTube. I'm not sure if this really shows a dangerous maneuver, maybe the experts can comment on it here.
But in principle it is problematic to approach the ship in such a small Pilot Boat in the wake from astern and cross the waves there. I remember an accident from Finland in December 2017 where the boat capsized and people died. Is this situation shown here...

Ocean Pacific Marine of Vancouver Island BC have been awarded a contract to build and deliver a state of the art 19.9m Pilot Boat for the Pacific Pilotage Authority. The new craft will be all-aluminium construction and built to Lloyd’s Class in accordance with Transport Canada regulations. Designed by Camarc from their Scotland office, this vessel represents the latest in cutting edge pilot boat technology.

It is frequently a Maritime requirement for a ship to employ and have onboard, a Ships Pilot when entering port. His/ her presence will greatly enhance the safe docking of a vessel into port, harbor or to an anchorage.

Based on MAIB Safety Digest 1/2025, Case 12, published April 2025 by the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).

The Port Phillip Sea pilots launch Torquay out and back again, seen at Point Lonsdale, Vic, Aust.
Ship spotting at Point Lonsdale and other water activities by Wally on Water.