Berthing Unberthing

Getting to work via the pilot cutter and Tees Foyboat.

Great image video of the Italian pilots (Federazione Italiana Piloti dei Porti).

The fascinating tale told by Roger Francis about his life at sea and ultimately as a Deep Sea Pilot. The explanation in detail of the terrific responsibilities comes with tales of daring-do, near misses and other peoples' disasters. Roger's personal tale takes him from kiddy to cadet and from 3rd Mate to Master before he became a Deep Sea Pilot guiding shipping on the busiest shipping thoroughfare in the world - the Dover Straits. On top of this, there is love interest and action in war...

I have had the privilege of being at quite a number of meetings, conferences and seminars, sometimes representing The Netherlands, but mostly representing the Netherlands pilots. I have had many discussions about the role of pilots and pilot organisations, which lead me to write an article “What is the added value of pilotage?”, published in the February 2020 issue of Seaways.

This paper described some of the characteristics it could offer to be classified as "smart" by reviewing risk management practices and accident statistics using the Finnish port of Rauma.

There were some astonishing pictures in the press some weeks ago of a Royal Marine employing a jetpack to launch himself from a RIB to land on the deck of a ship with extraordinary precision. You cannot imagine that it would be a feasible proposition to equip pilots with such a device, but it did cross my mind after reading a horrible catalogue of disgraceful seamanship and poor design exhibited in what ought to be the simple matter of keeping pilots safe as they board and leave ships.

The All India Maritime Pilots' Association has released its new journal for October.

Awarded World’s Best RHIB Pilot Boat of 2023, BRIX Marine's 37' NAIAD Pilot is purpose-built with cutting-edge design, advanced technology, and unparalleled performance to excel in its mission as a pilot boat.
With a length of 37 feet and powered by twin 300HP @YamahaOutboards01, the Aldebaran prioritizes practicality and performance. The aluminum hull, D-shaped foam, and polyurea membrane ensure durability, while the cabin provides comfort with insulated walls and shock-mitigating...

We had an amazing opportunity to go on a pilot boat with Captain Erick Gallagher and Captain Danny Gallagher, where we got a peek into their exciting jobs! Pilot boats transport maritime pilots between land and inbound or outbound ships. Video by bluewater.org, Blue Water Area Convention & Visitors Bureau