This is the Ben Madigan pilot boat, one of the hard working fleet of Belfast Harbout pilot boats. ( I'm not sure but I believe this might be a Redbay Stormforce, built by Redbay boat builders at Cushendll. )
These fast, sturdy, boats have to ferry Belfast pilots out to large vessels coming in to Belfast harbour. Piloted vessels range from large tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, ferries and cruise liners, right down to barges and fishing boats. Not only this, Belfast Harbour pilots...

What a great pleasure to meet these guys at the harbour - they could not have been more helpful and forthright about their work. At first glance, the glide of these orange powerboats up and down Belfast Lough seems an almost effortless task, but close up this is a very skilled trade and constant management of risk 24/7 in high and low seas, jumping from ship to boat to land taking safe control of the great volume of steel vessel coming in and out of this busy port. Though a hub of...

The Hibernia joins the Belfast Harbour operational marine fleet.

Here's a cool little video of 'PORT LÁIRGE', the Port of Waterford’s new pilot boat we've just launched and it was wonderful to have built another pilot boat for Ireland. She's our 15m Interceptor 48 pilot and is the 48th pilot boat we’ve supplied to ports globally. Powered by a pair of Scania D13 500hp engines she has an operational speed of over 25kts and is capable of carrying of 5 pilots and 2 crew in fine comfort. I think she looks just fabulous in red and blue and look forward to...

Found on YouTube. Created by "FEDERAZIONE ITALIANA PILOTI DEI PORTI".

Hvide Sande Redningsbåd på Nordsøen for at sætte Lods ombord på en Coaster

This publication (2024) details the rules, regulations and procedures that should be followed when preparing for pilot embarkation and disembarkation. It includes relevant excerpts from SOLAS regulations and IMO resolutions.

In this episode, we embark on a maritime journey with Gary Joyce, a seasoned professional from Saint John Pilot Boats, part of the Atlantic Pilotage Authority. Gary generously shares his wealth of experience in the industry, offering insights into his fascinating career path and how he found himself navigating the waters of marine piloting.
Join us as we explore the day-to-day life of a Marine Pilot, showcasing the intricacies of their responsibilities and gaining a glimpse into what a...