Those Who Serve: Columbia River bar pilots risk their lives to guide cargo ships

The American Maritime Pilot has a special and important job bringing ships into port safely. In the history of pilots Robert Smalls stands out as one of the most heroic and able pilots in American History.
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This book investigates the science behind each component of manoeuvring a ship in confined waters, especially in port limits and the art to master it. Based on practical observations and analysis of each major and minor aspect of the manoeuvring of different types of vessels in different types of situations, this book put all relevant knowledge together for the reference of all concerned with pilotage and ship handling.

This article was first published back in February 2022: According to the International Group of P & I Clubs’ “Report on P&I claims involving vessels under pilotage 1999-2019”, over the last twenty years, there were 1,046 incidents in which pilot error either caused or contributed to those events.

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

It has been shown that a majority (51%) of pilot ladders is secured by means of D-shackles, when secured at intermediate length. Previous research (Evans, 2020) has proven that this method has only about 50% of the strength of the pilot ladder when secured at full length (“double ended ladder”), or by means of the “endless-sling” method.

Before you, you see my third article on pilot boarding arrangements. After my two previous articles ‘1000 ways to secure a pilot ladder’ and ‘1000 ladders around’, I have received a lot of feedback and also questions to get deeper into the matter of combinations and embarkation platforms.

Ex-RN minehunter (former HMS Berkeley) serving with Greek navy as HS Kallisto cut in half during collision with Maersk containership, Maersk Launceston, a Portuguese-flagged container ship.

Arjen is a pilot in the Amsterdam-IJmond region. A registered pilot is an advisor to a ship. In good or bad weather, a pilot's work always goes on. Interaction between people is an important part of being a pilot.

Take a closer look at our 11.6-meter pilot boat in a stunning red and white color scheme. Designed for performance, safety, and versatility, this vessel is built to handle demanding maritime operations. Watch to explore its key features and see how it can meet your needs !