My First Ride In My Work's Jet Pilot Boat.

Jeanerette, LA – November 14th, 2019: Shipbuilder Metal Shark has delivered two new pilot boats to New Orleans-based operator Belle Chasse Marine Transportation, LLC (BCMT).

Delta Launch Services has ordered a new pilot boat from Gladding Hearn Shipbuilding (Duclos Corporation).

This is the sixth St. John’s Class launch built by the Somerset, Mass. shipyard. Delivery of the new 52-footer is scheduled for July 2020.

Dublin Port Company has taken delivery of a new Pilot Boat, named DPC Tolka. The state-of-the art vessel arrived in Dublin Port having set sail from Great Yarmouth via Lowestoft, Dover, Gosport, Plymouth, Falmouth and Milford Haven.

Pilot recruitment has traditionally been based on seniority, and extensive sea experience. However, a more modern approach, hiring younger, motivated candidates with structured training, offers an alternative path with compelling advantages.

Evening Pilotage of inward entry to Rio De Janeiro on Aframax tanker.

A wonderful poem by Gaylen K. Bunker found on YouTube. As read by the author from bis book "Poems".

No giggling, we’re serious about crotch straps at the RNLI. Why? Because crotch straps make your lifejacket perform better and keep you safer for longer. Our top tips for fitting your lifejacket crotch straps: 1. Always fit the crotch straps securely. 2. If you end up in the water, tighten the straps to take up any slack. Remember, correctly adjusted crotch straps will help keep your head above water. Get more water safety advice at: http://bit.ly/RNLIcheckBA

What a great pleasure to meet these guys at the harbour - they could not have been more helpful and forthright about their work. At first glance, the glide of these orange powerboats up and down Belfast Lough seems an almost effortless task, but close up this is a very skilled trade and constant management of risk 24/7 in high and low seas, jumping from ship to boat to land taking safe control of the great volume of steel vessel coming in and out of this busy port. Though a hub of...

The following article appeared in AIMPA magazine number 2 about the strength and testing of pilot ladders : There is much more information about pilot ladders in the AIMPA magazine, second issue, if you wish to read more you can download a copy at the bottom of this post.