Opinion Pilot transfer arrangements - Sharing knowledge matters – but problems go beyond non-compliance to SOLAS itself
by Kevin Vallance deep sea pilot and author - published on 23 September 2020
Like many seafarers I have long been a keen follower of The Nautical Institute’s MARS programme, and along with many other members I listened to the recent webinar on that topic. One theme which was repeated more than once was that it is better to learn from someone else’s misfortune rather than have it happen to you. Having personally been involved in two near misses resulting from unsafe pilot transfer arrangements in a relatively short space of time, I asked how experiences and knowledge specifically about pilot ladder safety could best be promulgated to avoid repeating common accidents or near misses.
Video Pilot on Board in Australia
published on 22 August 2022
Video Boarding a British warship by ladder in the North sea.
published yesterday
Early morning out on the North Sea, battling rough seas and heavy swell as we head out to board the Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Tyne. The pilot boat is rolling and pitching, spray hitting the windows, and every movement has to be timed perfectly.
In this video you’ll see the full approach in challenging conditions, the moment we come alongside, and the pilot making the transfer while the sea throws everything it can at us. Real life out here — cold, raw, unpredictable — but this is the job...
Video Pilot boarding in Klaipeda, Lithuania. Pilot Boat "Minge"
published on 25 September 2022
Video Interceptor 60 Pilot alongside ship handling sea trials
published on 26 August 2025
Article ‘SANAAG’ A new Pilot boat for the Port of Berbera, Somaliland in Africa delivered by Safehaven Marine.
by Safehaven Marine - published on 20 April 2020
Safehaven Marine based in Ireland have just delivered a pilot vessel for operations at the Port of Berbera in
Somaliland, Africa. ‘Sanaag’ is one of Safehaven’s Interceptor 38 pilot vessels, at 11.9m LOA, a very capable design which proves economical to operate, yet capable of dealing with very rough seas and challenging boarding conditions when required.