Lianyungang (China) Pilot embarking

It has been shown that a majority (51%) of pilot ladders is secured by means of D-shackles, when secured at intermediate length. Previous research (Evans, 2020) has proven that this method has only about 50% of the strength of the pilot ladder when secured at full length (“double ended ladder”), or by means of the “endless-sling” method.

Time for shift change. Captain Henry transferring from Pilot boat Texas City to Pilot boat Texas. Turn the sound up towards the end and hear those twin V12 Cummins sing.

Pilot leaves the Regent Seven Seas Navigator at Halifax

Ideas from Nasir Khan, Port Pilot: "I would like to suggest that we try an experiment and make some modifications that will result in a better grip on the handrails of the ship's ladder and on the pilot ladder steps. Let's talk about it!" Modifications: Ships Ladder Handrails & Width of the Pilot Ladder steps. "I analyze the subject of fallen Pilots are two main reasons: -Pilot's hands are losing their grip at the ship's handrails. At transfer point mostly pilots lose their grip on Ships...

Here’s a nice little video of rough weather sea trials that coincided with ‘Storm Agnes’ last week in the Interceptor 48 pilot boat ‘Svitzer Oued Laou’. The storm produced some pretty big waves at the entrance to Cork Harbour, and strong winds during the height of the storm. We managed to capture some cool footage from Roches PT lighthouse. It was fairly rough, although by not coinciding with the ebbing tide conditions aboard were quite comfortable, and our Pilot 48 handled it effortlessly...

Do you ever leave the harbour to get on a vessel you will guide along without a ritual? Whatever we trust in, whatever the rituals or traditions you Marine Pilots have - when you board your pilot boats, climb the ladders, get the vessels through the harbour - keep them and cherish them, they are good and they are important.

An unforgettable sunrise at sea as the pilot boat Hadrian delivers a pilot to the Grampian Tweed on approach to the Port of Tyne! With the sky blazing in incredible colours, we head out at first light to meet the Grampian Tweed offshore. Watch as the Hadrian carefully manoeuvres alongside to safely transfer the pilot, all against the backdrop of a stunning North Sea sunrise. This is a true behind-the-scenes look at life on the water — ship handling, teamwork, and breathtaking views from the...

CHIRP Maritime has published the 2020 Annual Digest. The Digest contains all articles that were published in the quarterly editions of their FEEDBACK magazine.