Piloting a 190 meter Bulker with 2 tugs

A pilot boat is a type of boat used to transport maritime pilots between land and the inbound or outbound ships that they are piloting.

The Atlantic Pilotage Authority has released its Annual Report 2020.
The Pilotage Act has defined the Atlantic Pilotage Authority’s area of operation as all the Canadian waters in and around the provinces of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador, as indicated on the map. Within this region, the Authority has designated 17 compulsory pilotage areas.

Port of Dunkerque: A typical working day in the Port of Dunkerque East.
Views of the Port of Dunkerque East and its daily maritime traffic.


Towing: Tugs from Boluda Dunkerque

The "Navig8 Axinite" is a 184 meter tanker. It is in loaded conditions. two tugs are used. The maneuver consists of backing out using 2 tugs and the ship´s engine, for about 2 and a half ship´s lenghts an then turning to port. After the turn, you can hear me talking with the captain about passing arrangements with an inbound vessel, (another tanker).

The Pacific Pilotage Authority says: "There is a common misunderstanding amongst vessel operators that vessels built prior to 2012 are exempt from some of the requirements for pilot transfer arrangements. This is incorrect...".

I decided to show the typical happenings when a saltwater freighter arrives Duluth. Most of the time they go to anchor and wait for the Elevator dock. The Pilot Boat brings out the Great Lakes Pilot to sail the ship into the port and to the dock. This vessel arrived early Sunday morning, went to anchor until mid afternoon. They are loading grain at the CHS Elevator in Superor.

View from the Bridge as the pilot navigates our 24,000 TEU vessel through the busy shipping channel safely to its berth. HMM thanks all the Pilots, Tug-Masters and Berthing Gangs for their important role in the safe passage of our fleet.

In this video you can see the modern port service provided by the port. They have big LNG Powered Tug, modern pilot boat, nicely laid out berth, and experienced/competent pilot.

The PLA welcomes Sathar Sulaiman and James Kitney as they join as Trainee Marine Pilots.

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.