Ship piloting in pandemic times in Santa Marta, Colombia

This lady came into port in an excellent day, however when I inspected the pilot ladder prior to board I saw that it was rigged using D-Shackles fastened between the side ropes, transferring all the weight and load of the ladder to the clamps and chokes. Truly an unsuitable method of securing the ladder. Retrieval line was also not above the first spreader
After pulling out the pilot boat, the ship was contacted by VHF and the captain was asked to instruct the crew in the usage of ropes and...

The pilot boat Huron Spirit picking up a District 3 pilot from the downbound oil/chemical tanker Algoluna on the St. Clair River in Port Huron/Sarnia on March 9, 2024 as captured on the StreamTime Live Camera.
https://www.youtube.com/live/eLUGwEv9IBk?si=O_QyOD3sAMvp_SQd

Pilot transfer arrangement is a sensitive topic to be discussed among the pilot’s fraternity. Although ships are designed and operated with compliance to the SOLAS requirements in all respects including the pilot transfer arrangements, there has been numerous deficiencies observed related to pilot transfer arrangements. The small deficiencies from the part of ships cause life threatening accidents for pilots and sometimes to the ship staff themselves. There are many instances of defective ladder and complacency in proper rigging of ladders has been reported almost every day in different parts of the world. Many pilots lost their life, severely injured for life and face many minor to major accidents. The latest incident being the Capt. Timothy Murray of Sandy hooks Pilot.

Meanwhile, female pilots are more and more common.

Trelleborg Marine and Infrastructure has successfully finalised an exclusive licensing agreement with the Port of Auckland Ltd (POAL).

Today, we embark on a voyage into the intricate world of ship types. From massive container ships to nimble oil tankers, we'll explore the unique challenges each vessel presents.

Article and pictures by Captain W J M Hargreaves, Retired Southampton Pilot

19 M Pilot Boats designed and built at Bilimora, Gujarat by A. H. Wadia Boat Builders. Vessels meets the requirements set by Indian Register of Shipping and is registered as RSV Type 4 Vessel of MS Act. Hull is constructed in steel and Superstructure is in Composite. Boats were able to achieve speeds above 22 knots. Unique hull form is responsive and easily maneuverable. Custom accommodation layout is spaciously arranged for 8 Crew members. Engine room hosts 2 Main Diesel Engines and 2...