There are many things in both our everyday and professional lives which we take for granted and never question the origins of, an example of this might be the IMPA recommended ‘pilot mark or pilot line’, which is sometimes seen on the side of vessels indicating where a vessels freeboard exceeds 9 metres.

During the transit time on the pilot launch between the shore and the vessel, marine pilots will spend at least a portion of that time carrying out (either consciously or subconsciously) a risk assessment of the forthcoming operation.

Over the past few years a number of pilot transfer accidents have occurred resulting from total failure of the side ropes, one school of thought is that the methods of securing a pilot ladder is a factor in such occurrences.

New guidance for PBAs with trapdoors. Released 4.11.2020 at NZMPA Conference in Dunedin, NZ. Distinct difference to suggestions in many other countries, is that we challenge operators who have the ladder suspended from the accommodation ladder (gangway) and not secured to the ship. SOLAS states that pilot ladder shall be secured to the ship, and securing strongpoints, shackles and ropes shall be as strong as the sideropes.

Pilot boarding submarine HNLMS Bruinvis at North East Spit pilot station.
Pilot Captain Chris Renault.

Estuary Services crew Andrew Howland (coxswain) and Wayne Goldfinch (deckhand) transferring PLA pilot, Stephen Ford on an approx. eight-mile trip from Ramsgate to board the tanker Songa Breeze at the NE Goodwin pilot boarding ‘diamond’. Departing at 0955 on 20 April 2020, they steered an easterly course to reach the ship by 1030. Weather: wind North Easterly F6, sea state moderate to rough, visibility 10 nautical miles. Footage: ESL Edit: Theo Albanis, Port of London Authority Music:...

Time for shift change. Captain Henry transferring from Pilot boat Texas City to Pilot boat Texas. Turn the sound up towards the end and hear those twin V12 Cummins sing.

A pilot boat is a type of boat used to transport maritime pilots between land and the inbound or outbound ships that they are piloting.

In this video go behind the scenes with Capt. Reid of the Palm Beach Harbor Pilots Association on the nightshift, as he docks four different cargo ships of all different sizes that help support the islands of the supply chain of the Caribbean. The pilots are important to allowing the safe operation in and out of the Port of Palm Beach every day or night and to keep the goods for the islands arriving on time. If you enjoyed this video, make sure to SUBSCRIBE for more videos about Ships! ⚓...