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 IMPA Safety Campaign Results 2022 published

published on 15 December 2022

IMPA has just released the results of the annual IMPA safety campaign, please have a look at the document.

Article Boluda Towage started towage services at LubminLNG (Germany)

published on 2 January 2023

Boluda Towage started towing services at the German port of Lubmin for the first installation of a floating LNG storage plant.

Video ESAIL Maritime Satellite Launched

published on 16 September 2020

The #ESAIL #microsatellite for tracking ships worldwide was launched. This is the first maritime satellite of its kind produced and assembled in Luxembourg. Hear from #Luxembourg Minister of the Economy Franz Fayot about this pioneering #ESA partnership project developed with #LuxSpace and #Exactearth.

Article Increased Occurrence of Extreme Waves in the German North Sea

by Frank Diegel - published on 28 February 2025

Researchers have observed an unexpectedly high frequency of towering waves in the German North Sea, particularly near the island of Norderney. These extreme waves pose a significant risk to maritime infrastructure, including ships, offshore wind farms, and research platforms.

Article Best Medium Pilot Boat "Spirit" by Hart Marine

by Baird Maritime - published on 23 April 2025

Australia’s high-tech FRP specialist boat builder Hart Marine has been building pilot, patrol and rescue boats for a couple of decades. That experience tells as the boats continually improve from an already high base.