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 A Day in the Life: Pilot Crew | Marine Operations at Port of Cromarty Firth
published on 12 August 2026
Join the pilot crew on the water for a behind-the-scenes look at marine operations at Port of Cromarty Firth.
From early starts on the Firth to working alongside visiting vessels, the pilot crew play a key role in supporting safe marine movements in and out of the Port. This video captures the skill, experience and coordination involved in helping vessels arrive, depart and operate safely within the Cromarty Firth.
With deep, sheltered waters and a busy mix of cruise, energy and commercial...
Video Port of Stockton: River Pilots
published on 17 December 2019
The San Francisco Bar Pilots are one of the important cogs in our supply chain wheel. They are tasked with boarding the vessels eleven miles west of the Golden Gate Bridge via a rope ladder often in rough seas and taking control of the vessels en route to the Port of Stockton. Once on the bridge of the ship, the Pilot oversees navigation and ensures the safe passage of ships into the Bay and through the Delta until it is secured alongside its berth at the Port. Without these Pilots the...
Video Day in the life of a Marine Pilot on the Humber, UK
published on 7 November 2025
Brief snapshot of a day in the life of a Humber marine Pilot.
This was filmed a few years ago, 2019 I think.
Some standards and best practices have changed since then, for instance I would not have my bag on my back while using the pilot ladder now, I would send it down using a heaving line.
#MarinePilot #shiphandling #pilotage #ships #timelapse #humber
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...