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 Pilot Boarding Port Phillip Bay in Melbourne, Australia
published on 24 September 2020
Editors Note: Unfortunately this YouTube video - although publicly available - was not authorised by the responsible official bodies. Out of respect for the local organisation, we have decided to stop showing the video link to YouTube here. We ask for your understanding!
Join us as we take a pilot 5 miles out to sea to meet a huge 80,000 ton oil tanker arriving outside Port Phillip Bay in Melbourne, Australia!
Article Updated Marine Safety Information by U.S. Coast Guard
published on 6 November 2020
U.S. Coastgard has published an update of their Recommendation for Pilot Transfer Arrangements in latest Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIB).
"Recent deaths of maritime pilots while embarking commercial vessels highlight the risks of operating in an
unforgiving maritime environment. To ensure the safety of all personnel boarding a vessel at sea, the Coast
Guard reminds vessel owners and operators of the requirements contained in the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter V, Regulation 23 and strongly recommends that owners and operators follow the recommendations within IMO Resolution A.1045(27) – Pilot Transfer Arrangements. "
Video Delaware River Pilot Boat
published on 17 June 2025
Video Life At Sea, Pilot Boarding Ship in Rough Weather
published on 7 February 2020
A maritime pilot, marine pilot, harbor pilot, bar pilot, or simply pilot, is a sailor who maneuvers ships through dangerous or congested waters, such as harbors or river mouths. They are navigational experts possessing knowledge of the particular waterway such as its depth, currents, and hazards.
Video So Long Solina! The Local Captain Takes His Leave November 2, 2021
published on 9 February 2022
A more unique angle regarding freighter departures; I was able to film the routine disembarking of one of our local ship captains and officers after piloting Solina out of the harbor. This is a required procedure, as per US Maritime Laws, all international freighters must be piloted in and out of a US harbor by a US Captain. Here we have out local pilot vessel Sea Bear running up alongside the Solina to allow the two officers to depart the freighter before she heads out across Lake Superior