The story of Britain's pilotage services.
The story of Britain's pilotage services.
Video Maritime Piloting in the 17th-Century
published on 25 June 2022
Video Look at Life - City of Sailors - Portsmouth - 1965, UK
published on 18 March 2021
Video British Sea Pilot's 1960: Vintage History Vault Films.
published on 27 July 2026
Step back in time to the height of Britain's maritime influence with this look at the unsung heroes of the shipping industry: the sea pilots. In the 1960s, as global trade patterns shifted and shipping technology began its rapid evolution, British sea pilots remained the vital, trusted guides navigating the world’s most complex waterways. From the treacherous currents of the River Mersey to the bustling ports of the coast, these men held the legal conduct of massive vessels in their hands,...
Video 2006 Port of London Pilot Capt. Tom Miller - Hebridean Princess
published on 22 November 2023
In 2006 I was invited to join Port of London Pilot Capt. Tom Miller on one of his last few voyages before his retirement. A pilot cutter ferried us from the Gravesend Port office to the Port of London Terminal where the Hebridean Spirit waited for us to board. Once aboard, the ship's captain manoeuvred the vessel off its moorings and into the channel. After handing the vessel over to Capt. Miller, the Captain joined the ship's company for dinner, and the first offer and a helmsman remained...
Article Interview with Marine Pilot Esil Abibula: Crossing the Northwest Passage
by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 18 December 2019
The Northwest Passage is the approximately 5780 km long sea route that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean north of the American continent. It crosses the Arctic Ocean and its marginal seas as well as the associated sea lanes through the Canadian-Arctic archipel ago.
Roald Amundsen made his first complete successfully crossing in 1903-1906 via the route discovered by John Rae through the James Ross Strait, Rae Strait and Simpson Strait on the small ship Gjøa.
Video Bulkcarrier HEIDE OLDENDORFF to EECV jetty in Europoort, Port of Rotterdam
published on 1 March 2023
Opinion "U-Turn" by Ahmed Sati
by Dr. Captain Ahmed Sati - published on 29 April 2025
Video A day in the life of a PLA Pilot (London): 20 August 2025
published on 9 December 2025
Video A Day Aboard Pilot Boat Collingwood | Guiding Ships in the Port of Tyne
published on 10 March 2025
Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the vital work of the Port of Tyne pilot boat crew aboard Collingwood! From sunrise to sunset, these skilled mariners navigate the River Tyne and the North Sea, ensuring the safe passage of massive cargo ships, tankers, and ferries.
Watch as the crew battles the elements, transfers pilots onto moving vessels, and keeps the busy shipping lane running smoothly. This is a rare glimpse into the teamwork, precision, and dedication required to guide ships...