Article What is a Maritime Pilot? From "Crossing the Bar, The Adventures of a San Francisco Bay Bar Pilot" by Captain Paul Lobo
by Capt. Paul Lobo - published on 22 September 2020
Video North Sea pilots in the storm (documentation, german with subtitles)
published on 20 February 2023
Für Lotsen ist es der gefährlichste Moment in ihrem Berufsalltag: bei orkanartigen Böen von einem Frachtschiff eine Strickleiter herunterklettern und auf ein kleines Lotsenboot übersetzen. Mitte Januar 2023 ist ein Lotse bei Borkum ins Meer gefallen und kam mit Unterkühlungen ins Krankenhaus. Erst wenige Tage zuvor verstarb ein englischer Kollege bei diesem Manöver. Hafenlotse Gerhard Janßen und Seelotse Dominik Thieben machen sich für ihren Einsatz bereit. Bei Windstärke acht geht es mit...
Opinion Positioning of vessel at berth by using bridge wing gyro repeater
by Capt. Girish Chandra - published on 14 April 2020
Today I will discuss a very simple and useful practical trick often used by pilots.
When we have to berth a vessel with small clearances forward and aft (say 20 to 25 mtr fwd and aft) it is very essential that you are able to estimate your position. Now most of the time you have a berthing supervisor on jetty who will help you with position.
Video Captain Brown, Harbor Pilot (1950)
published on 6 January 2025
The film "Captain Brown Harbor Pilot" depicts the crucial role of harbor pilots in safely navigating large ships into ports, particularly during foggy conditions. It follows Bob, who learns from his Uncle Captain Brown about the various signals, equipment, and safety measures involved in harbor navigation. The film emphasizes the importance of pilots, who are trained to manage the complexities of harbor traffic, communicate with ships, and ensure safe docking. Viewers also see the...
Video Maritime Voices: Clint Winegar, Presiding Officer, Houston Pilots
published on 10 October 2025
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 The difficulty of finding marine pilot-specific information on the Internet
by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 4 November 2019
Article IHMA Congress 2020 goes virtual
published on 20 August 2020
With the theme, "The Next Wave – Navigating Towards the Digital Future, the 12th biennial Congress will be delivered virtually from 5 - 10 October, 2020.
The Congress remains the key forum for IHMA members and the global ports sector to collaborate, network, share information, and provide updates on the latest industry technology and solutions.