Video

Live test: Backpack & Lifejacket?

published on 30 September 2021 - 375 -

Show comment section |

Found on YouTube. Created by "Marine-Pilots". Originally published on 2021-09-28.

Video and text by Herman Broers:
When publishing articles or pictures about pilots and their pilot ladders, very often we see the use of backpacks. The use of backpacks is controversial, since its weight, or buoyancy, can influence the functioning of the lifejacket used.

With a lot being said about the issue, the only way to find out if my backpack is hampering my lifejacket in any way is a live test. So today was the day. With my own lifejacket, with my own backpack.

In this short video, the lifejacket of The dutch pilots is put to the test in combination with a backpack. The so-called 3D lifejacket (SECUMAR ALPHA 275 X PILOT) has specifically been designed with a so-called 3D air chamber to compensate the weight of any bag used.

www.pilotladdersafety.com

Join the conversation...

A community member on 8 October 2021, 17:29 UTC

This comment has been removed.

Mackenzie Moseley British Columbia Coast Pilots, Canada

on 8 October 2021, 17:29 UTC

I agree… why would you wear a backpack on a pilot ladder? It weighs down the wearer if the PFD fails to inflate, and could restrict inflation.

Furthermore, an inflatable PFD has no natural floatation, it requires proper automatic operation and inflation to become a PFD, and when inflated is subject to damages scraping down the side of a barnacle covered ship or being beat up in the recovery process; then you’d have no buoyancy and the weight of a backpack. Add being unconscious and you’re breathing water.

Why not just wear a foam PFD and eliminate these risks and variables?

At least they’re wearing a helmet, that’s good.

[show more]

Pedro Cardoze Panama Canal Pilots Association, Panama

on 30 September 2021, 15:59 UTC

An opinion: Why would a pilot climb a pilot ladder with a backpack instead of sending it on a heaving line? It’s, in my opinion, not a safe practice.

Video Life of a Marine Pilot: Work, Salary & Privileges ft. Capt. Shailendra Nautiyal (2025)

published on 5 May 2025

👉Ship To Shore Guidance Series For Deck Officer: https://courses.merchantnavydecoded.com/learn/Ship-to-Shore-Guidance-Series-for-Deck-Officer 👉Ship To Shore Guidance Series For Marine Engineer: https://courses.merchantnavydecoded.com/learn/Ship-to-Shore-Guidance-Series-for-Marine-Engineer 👉Ship Chartering And Ship Brokering Guidance Series: https://courses.merchantnavydecoded.com/learn/Ship-Chartering-and-Ship-Brokering 👉Check your eligibility for MEO Exam and Mates Exam: https://www....

Video Robust pilot boats of Netherlands and Belgium

published on 7 August 2020

These are some of the reliable sturdy Pilot boats of Netherlands and Belgium to bring and pick up Marine Pilots to and from commercial merchant vessels either inbound or outbound. The Marine Pilots are licensed PROFESSIONALS who have a thorough knowledge of a certain port and they guide the Master/Captain of commercial ships in and out of the foreign Seaport. Location: Steenbank Pilot Station, Flushing/Vlissingen Pilot Station, Wandelaar Pilot Station. Boats in order of appearance in this...

Video Marine pilot by helicopter // A whale in rough weather // Berthing in Durban port

published on 25 October 2021

In this video we would like to share our experience while berthing in port Durban … weather was rough .. witnessed a whale enjoying in big waves .. a doctor came onboard for covid test … received pilot by helicopter and so on …
Hope you all would like the content…
Feel free to drop us a message
tdandu03@gmail.com

Article Re-Powering Pilot Boat New York

by JMS Naval Architects - published on 7 October 2021

After 30+ years of service, the vessel needed to be re-powered. A $1.7 million re-powering project was initiated and completed during 2004.

Video Laurentian Pilotage Authority: Recording Of The Last Annual Public Meeting 2021

published on 20 July 2021

June 21, 2021

Video Safehaven Marine Interceptor 48 pilot boat for the Gdynia Pilots in Poland

published on 6 July 2020

Video by Safehaven Marine / Frank Kowalski
Here’s a cool video of the latest Interceptor 48 pilot boat we’ve launched for the Gdynia Pilots in Poland. We captured some nice alongside ship footage during the sea trials and had a chance to test out our new drone ‘catch net’ on Thunder Child.

Video IZ 1500 AL Pilot Boat : "Good Design Award Winner" Boat

published on 2 July 2025

IZ 1500 AL PILOT BOAT, is now ready to conquer the seas! 🚤 Winner of the Design Turkey 2021 Good Design Award, the IZ 1500 AL Pilot is a reconfigured pilot boat with a rugged aluminum hull, robust fenders, and a Hadrian safety rail system. Compatible with various propulsion systems like water jets, Volvo Penta IPS, and conventional shafts, it ensures safety and comfort in demanding operations. 🌐izmirshipyard.com Passionate about the sea, innovation, and quality craftsmanship. 🌊...

Article Roberta Coppa (Fedepiloti): "There are still too many gender prejudices in our world".

by ShipMag.it - published on 9 March 2021

Roberta Cotta and Teresa Matarese are the only two women in the Italian Federation of Harbour Pilots (Fedepiloti) team of 212 professionals.

Video Carnival Cruise - Pilot Boat coming along side Carnival Luminosa for Cairns, Australia

published on 27 February 2025

Pilot jumping onboard the Carnival Luminosa at Cairns from the pilot boat .

Article IMPA open letter - Crew exchange in times of corona

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 4 July 2020

The IMPA has published on 30th June 2020 a letter about crew exchange in times of corona. Read the letter here: