This particular maneuver was unberthing a chemical tanker, in loaded condition, the "Maersk Borneo", which is a mid size tanker with a bow thruster and a fixed pitch prop. I used 2 tugs fast on the port side, backed her out of the basin and turned her to port. Captain and crew were very professional.
This particular maneuver was unberthing a chemical tanker, in loaded condition, the "Maersk Borneo", which is a mid size tanker with a bow thruster and a fixed pitch prop. I used 2 tugs fast on the port side, backed her out of the basin and turned her to port. Captain and crew were very professional.
Video Refusing to board due to a pilot ladder not rigged correctly
published on 20 June 2025
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...
Video Training of the Elbe pilots - documentary (in german)
published on 6 November 2020
Die Lotsenbrüderschaft Elbe ist ein geschlossener Kreis, der sich nicht gern in die Karten schauen lässt. Wer dort Mitglied werden und bis zu 400 Meter lange Containerpötte in den Hamburger Hafen steuern möchte, muss hohe Anforderungen erfüllen. Bewerber müssen mehrere Jahre lang zur See gefahren sein, um ausreichend Fahrpraxis zu haben. Aber es gibt immer weniger deutsche Seeleute, weil die Reeder billigere Kräfte aus dem Ausland bevorzugen. Dadurch wird es zunehmend schwierig,...
Video Winch pilot' training - Coast Guard Video
published on 29 November 2022
Article Pilot’s safety: German Pilots launch new App
by René Hartung - published on 21 April 2023
Video Pilots gets off Huron Belle Pilot boat and climbs aboard CSL Assiniboine - 08.04.19
published on 25 February 2020
"This is a Lakes Pilot hopping off the Huron Belle Pilot boat after we've pulled alongside the CSL Assiniboine on the Detroit River just above the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit, MI
He walks along the side of the Pilot boat, holding onto the railing and then after the gangway from the ship is lowered into position, he steps up and pulls himself up to then begin walking up the gangway to the deck where he is greeted by the crew.
We then see one of the crew from the Pilot boat tieing up the...