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

Opinion The Story behind the Puget Sound Pilots Maternity Policy

by Writer Mauri Shuler - published on 19 September 2022

The Puget Sound Pilots have captured what other businesses have done: create a comprehensive dedicated maternity plan that can be a model for others.

Article Fewer ships and less pilotage: Kiel Canal suffers from corona crisis like many other waterways

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 26 May 2020

In April, 25 percent fewer ships on the German Kiel Canal (NOK) - and things could get even worse. It seems that the exemplary situation at the NOK certainly affects many other channels in the world in a similar way.

Article Become a member of Marine-Pilots.com with your own profile

by Frank Diegel - published on 18 July 2024

In our member area you can already see all 1,200 member profiles. Tell our community who you are and what your concerns are. Membership is free of charge.

Article P&O Maritime Logistics welcomes new pilot boat to fleet

by Baird Maritime - published on 26 May 2025

P&O Sahm is the fifth pilot boat to be acquired by P&O Maritime Logistics from the same builder. It will be operated out of Port Rashid in Dubai.

Article 3 new vacancies for Marine Pilots added today

by Frank Diegel - published on 4 October 2021

We have currently researched 20 vacancies for Marine Pilots around the world. Take a look at our job section, where 3 new offers have been added today.

Article Falmouth Harbour orders new £1.6M pilot

published on 5 December 2022

Falmouth Harbour (FH) has awarded Holyhead Marine the £1.6M contract to build a clean, safe, fuel-efficient pilot vessel to join a fleet operating 24/7, 365 days a year and completing more than 1,000 boardings and landings per year within the Falmouth Harbour Pilotage Area.