Old Dutch Pilot Boat, NorthSea Trials, Old Marine Engine 750HP@300RPM

They are very proud at Next Generation Shipyards in Lauwersoog; the brand-new tender for the Dutch Pilotage is ready in the harbor. Costs: 3.5 million euros.

Let us start a journey back in time. Back to the black and white films of history. The times have changed, but it is good to know what kind of things have changed and where are the roots of pilotage.

• The Dutch pilots offer a contribution to the safe and quick pilotage of ships to and from the Dutch ports and the Flemish ports on the Scheldt River. Each year, they assist about 100,000 ships. • Loodswezen aims to play a leading role by excelling in terms of service provision, training and education, efficiency, technology and customer satisfaction. • The highly-trained maritime pilots and other staff members work closely together to ensure safe and efficient operations in all...

The 16.3-meter aluminium pilot boat includes features aimed at performance and crew safety: • Twin Caterpillar C18 engines (2 x 400 hp) • Traditional shaft and propeller system • Top speed of 25 knots, cruising at 22 knots • Air suspension seats, autopilot, and interceptor system • Heated decks, rails, and windows • Crew accommodation for six • Galley for two and diesel heating for cold-weather operation • 2 x 1300-liter fuel tanks for extended range “This is not just a boat. This is a...

Footage of the "Pilot Station Vessel" POLARIS of the Dutch Pilot Organisation, made with a DJI Phantom Drone, controlled with a FPV (First Person View), and equipped with a GoPro Hero 3 camera.
The location is Maascenter, an important navigation point for ships entering the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
Date: 15 may 2014. Music: Skrillex - Scary Monsters & Nice Sprites.

Pilot launch Griffiths onboard and off Point Lonsdale, Victoria, Australia.
Ship spotting at Point Lonsdale and other water activities by Wally on Water.

At the A&R shipyard in Germany, the successful principle of SWATH boats was further developed in 2013: The SWASH principle allows sea-going, smaller and more economical boats.

At the end of the disembarking procedure, the pilot jumps on ropes onto the pilot boat. Is this often seen practice safe? Can the pilot resolve the situation better?

In this video, you can take a look at what happened when the Napoli broke her back and was run aground on the south coast of the UK.