Opinion Pilot transfer arrangements - Sharing knowledge matters – but problems go beyond non-compliance to SOLAS itself
by Kevin Vallance deep sea pilot and author - published on 23 September 2020
Like many seafarers I have long been a keen follower of The Nautical Institute’s MARS programme, and along with many other members I listened to the recent webinar on that topic. One theme which was repeated more than once was that it is better to learn from someone else’s misfortune rather than have it happen to you. Having personally been involved in two near misses resulting from unsafe pilot transfer arrangements in a relatively short space of time, I asked how experiences and knowledge specifically about pilot ladder safety could best be promulgated to avoid repeating common accidents or near misses.
Article ABP Southampton puts pressure on non-compliant 'trap door' Arrangements
by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 22 April 2020
Video Pilot Boarding in South Korea
published on 11 September 2021
Video Harbor Pilot Boarding at Norfolk Virginia
published on 3 May 2020
Video Pilot Boat - Departure from Adelaide, Australia
published on 6 April 2021
Article Recovery of Persons in Water (PIW) Guide to Good Practice for Small Vessels
published on 22 November 2022
Article Safe Passage - Edition Winter 2021
by Australasian Marine Pilots Institute - published on 21 July 2021
Video PilotTracker Case Study the Greater Houston Port Bureau - GHPB
published on 4 November 2022
The Port of Houston has been implementing Pilot Tracker, to improve efficiency and decision-making processes through data sharing.
According to Christine Schlenker, VP of the Greater Houston Bureau, “ Pilot Tracker is a good first step for port digitalisation, because it’s easy to implement and it has a strong, immediate impact for the port community”.
Want to know more about Pilot Tracker? Visit the link below and get in touch with one of our team members!
https://port-xchange.com/...
Video Battling the North Sea: Pilot Transfers in choppy seas
published on 13 November 2025
Join us out in the North Sea as we take on another challenging day aboard the pilot boat, transferring pilots to and from massive ships in choppy seas. 🌊 Watch as we battle the swell and spray, timing every approach perfectly to safely board and disembark pilots onto moving vessels in tough conditions. From cargo ships to car carriers, this video gives you a front-row seat to life at sea — where precision, teamwork, and nerves of steel are essential. 📍 Filmed off the North East Coast of...