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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 Fremantle Pilots and Fremantle Ports: Working Together to Improve Pilot Transfer Safety
by Fremantle Pilots - published on 6 June 2025
Video A Pilot Underway To Work
published on 28 February 2020
It’s not always calm seas, helicopters and fast speedboats. In the third weekend storm this year, the pilot embarks MV VERA D by fast launch craft of the Pilot Station Vessel PROCYON. It takes professional teamwork by Pilotboat crew, the ship VERA D and VTS to board these ships in the harshest conditions in a violent Northsea. Well done and thanks to all players involved!
Video Pilot on Board in Australia
published on 22 August 2022
Video Training Ship Golden Bear Pilot Disembarking
published on 17 January 2022
Video Men rescued from pilot boat wreck at Point Lonsdale
published on 9 October 2023
Police have performed an incredible late night rescue in one of the country's most treacherous waters, after a pilot boat ran aground at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. Three men, who were experts at navigating the dangerous passage, were retrieved safe and well after two hours in the water. Subscribe: http://ab.co/1svxLVE ABC News provides around the clock coverage of news events as they break in Australia and abroad, including the latest coronavirus pandemic updates. It's news when you...