The Svitzer Marloo, a Z-Tech 2800 ASD Tug, is one of the few vessels in the world to regularly use the complex and potentially dangerous Centre Lead Forward manoeuvre to assist inbound and outbound bulk carriers in the execution of a 110 degree turn on entering and leaving Port Kembla. Tug Master Phil Jones explains how a dangerous maritime exercise, if properly executed, can deliver greater control and save time and money.
The Svitzer Marloo, a Z-Tech 2800 ASD Tug, is one of the few vessels in the world to regularly use the complex and potentially dangerous Centre Lead Forward manoeuvre to assist inbound and outbound bulk carriers in the execution of a 110 degree turn on entering and leaving Port Kembla. Tug Master Phil Jones explains how a dangerous maritime exercise, if properly executed, can deliver greater control and save time and money.
Video Safety of Navigation vs. Commercial Pressure
published on 18 January 2021
Safety of Navigation vs. Commercial Pressure / ROMEILs Tv Commercial Pressures impacts the safety of the vessel, study says Seafarers are pressured to keep quiet and keep the ship moving by ship operators, who dont want to lose inccome. Ship's officers who bring safety issues to the attention of management are exposed to the risk of retaliation. As whistle-blowers they may face punishment, demotion or even termination. International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) has...
Video Prince Rupert Ship Spotting. Drone video.
published on 2 July 2021
The Container Ship RDO Conception arriving in Prince Rupert after a 10 day voyage from Tokyo. Once in our harbor, she was eased into the container terminal with a little help from SAAM tug boats Orleans and Venta. Filmed using a DJI Mini 2 If you are interested in purchasing a Mini here is a link to my DJI affiliate program. https://click.dji.com/AFpMBjgnYfRjCViNU2HZ_g?pm=link All video footage is owned by Nortcoast Drone and it can be licensed as stock footage. We are certified in...
Video Overhead View of Ship Getting Underway in Guayania Puerto Rico
published on 13 September 2022
Video Port of Dundee Welcomes New Pilot Boat Tay Discovery
published on 22 September 2025
At a special dedication ceremony at the Port of Dundee today, the new Tay Discovery pilot boat was given a traditional marine blessing for its service on the River Tay.
With the Dundee Heritage Trust and National Oceanography Centre present, the pilot boat has been named Tay Discovery which highlights the important role the port plays in the City of Discovery. The naming also coincides with the centenary of the original Discovery ship receiving its Royal Research designation.
The Chaplain,...
Article More details and an analysis of the Ever Given accident
published on 6 October 2021
Article How to Avoid Catching COVID19 whilst Piloting
by The United Kingdom Maritime Pilots' Association - published on 31 March 2020
Video HMM - Maiden voyage of HMM Algeciras #6-Yantian-departure
published on 17 June 2020
See the world’s largest containership (24,000 TEU) departing Yantian with a world record number of TEU’s on board (19,621 TEU). Wishing you ‘fair wind and following seas’ HMM Algeciras, through to Suez (25th May) then beyond to Rotterdam (ETA 3rd June), Hamburg (7th June), Antwerp (11th June) & London Gateway (14th June).
Article IMPA Safety Campaign 2025 starts on 16th of May!
by IMPA - International Maritime Pilots’ Association - published on 15 May 2025
Video Pilot boat "Griffiths" off Point Lonsdale (Port Phillip - Australia)
published on 5 August 2025
Opinion Pilot transfer arrangements - Sharing knowledge matters – but problems go beyond non-compliance to SOLAS itself
by Kevin Vallance deep sea pilot and author - published on 23 September 2020
Like many seafarers I have long been a keen follower of The Nautical Institute’s MARS programme, and along with many other members I listened to the recent webinar on that topic. One theme which was repeated more than once was that it is better to learn from someone else’s misfortune rather than have it happen to you. Having personally been involved in two near misses resulting from unsafe pilot transfer arrangements in a relatively short space of time, I asked how experiences and knowledge specifically about pilot ladder safety could best be promulgated to avoid repeating common accidents or near misses.