Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) and other individual MOB devices have been available for some years now and have evolved to incorporate a variety of different alerting methods and combinations. However, usage of these additional enhancements within UK Pilotage is still in its infancy.

SeaSafe - Marine pilot falling off a ships ladder with his integrated life jacket coat

"Rope Ladders" by PTR Holland

Delaware River Pilot Boat Transfers Pilot to Moving Ship - Delaware River - Philadelphia - August 23, 2023

Witness the Historic D/S Hestmanden at the Port of Tyne Experience the majestic arrival and departure of the D/S Hestmanden, Norway's cherished steamship, as she graces the Port of Tyne. This video captures the seamless pilotage operations, showcasing the collaboration between the ship and local maritime pilots. About D/S Hestmanden: Built: 1911 by Laxevaags Maskin & Jernskibsbyggeri in Bergen, Norway Length: 59.47 meters | Beam: 9.17 meters Tonnage: 755 gross tons | DWT: 965 tons...

The “DangerousLadder” page on facebook is nowadays a very well known community in the maritime world. It is steadily growing towards 3000 members, which will be the next milestone membership-wise.

Take a look at Kewatecs latest self-righting test

This expert article is based on a presentation given by Capt. Pilot Sven Stemmler at the MCN's (Maritimes Cluster Norddeutschland e. V. ) event ‘On the Future of the Pilot Profession’ at Fraunhofer CML in Hamburg on 9 September 2025.