Pilot boarding by helicopter in Hay Point, Australia

KITTIWAKE ( MMSI 232008570) is a Pilot and currently sailing under the flag of United Kingdom (UK) Here she is speeding down the River this morning.

Most pilot embarkations and disembarkations around the world, are still carried out using a traditional pilot ladder, consisting of wooden steps supported and secured by side ropes.

Editor's note: The pilot boarding seems a bit improvised and unsafe to me, but that's certainly business as usual, isn't it?

Pilot change at vicinity of trio's river upbound to montreal

ABP Southampton: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that some ships have a pilot transfer arrangement consisting of an accommodation ladder / pilot ladder combination with a trapdoor that does not meet IMO standards in effect since at least 2012.

The pilot boat next to the ship after dropping off the Harbour Pilot

Article with video found: Harbor pilots have one of the most unique jobs in the world, but it can also be one of the most dangerous. They help guide ships into Tampa Bay.