Article U.S. largest pilot boat delivered to Texas. Stabilized by Humphree.
published on 19 March 2021
Breaux’s Bay Craft, Loreauville, La., delivered the new 90’x23’x12’4″ aluminum pilot boat Spindletop to the Sabine Pilots on March 6. The Sabine Pilots, Port Arthur, Texas, serve the Texas ports of Orange, Port Arthur and Beaumont. “This is the biggest pilot boat built in the U.S.,” said Roy Breaux, the shipyard’s owner. “There are bigger ones in other parts of the world, but this is the largest in the U.S.”
Video How the Sabine Pilots are Redefining Maritime Pilot Transfer with Helicopters
published on 17 February 2026
In one of the busiest and most critical waterways in the United States, timing and safety are everything. Along the Sabine-Neches Waterway in Port Arthur, Texas, the Sabine Pilots are redefining maritime pilot transfer by taking to the air. This video follows the Sabine Pilots and HeliService USA as they use Leonardo AW169 helicopters to move pilots safely and efficiently between ships—reducing risk, improving responsiveness, and keeping America’s energy gateway moving. From offshore hoists...
Opinion New guidance for PBAs with trapdoors. Released 4.11.2020 by NZMPA
by New Zealand Maritime Pilot's Association - published on 6 November 2020
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.
Video Interview: Arie Palmers on the Maerks global safety days, Cobenhagen
published on 6 September 2022
Video Pilot on board by helicopter, France
published on 31 October 2021
Video Carnival Cruise - Pilot Boat coming along side Carnival Luminosa for Cairns, Australia
published on 27 February 2025
Video Life At Sea, Pilot Boarding Ship in Rough Weather
published on 7 February 2020
A maritime pilot, marine pilot, harbor pilot, bar pilot, or simply pilot, is a sailor who maneuvers ships through dangerous or congested waters, such as harbors or river mouths. They are navigational experts possessing knowledge of the particular waterway such as its depth, currents, and hazards.
Video Pilot Boat
published on 26 July 2021
Video History: Pilot boats in New York harbor
published on 29 August 2020
SUMMARY A New York harbor pilot boat passes close enough for four members of the crew to be seen [Frame: 0471]. Following the sailing vessel is a steamship [0780]. From a contemporary Edison Company catalog: PILOT BOATS IN NEW YORK HARBOR. Unboys [code for telegraphic orders]. A close view of an eighty footer, schooner rigged, trim as a private yacht, skimming over the waters of the harbor near Robin's Reef, [where a] picturesque little lighthouse is seen in the near background. A steamer...