Day shift for duty pilot in Gibralta

Pilot recruitment has traditionally been based on seniority, and extensive sea experience. However, a more modern approach, hiring younger, motivated candidates with structured training, offers an alternative path with compelling advantages.

Welcome back to the Fluctus Channel for a feature on the important role of tugboats in navigating the bigger vessels in harbors and canal, as well as the open seas.

Chapter 3 from the book "Crossing the Bar, The Adventures of a San Francisco Bay Bar Pilot" by Captain Paul Lobo, available on Amazon (link below)

Interesting video by "JeffHK" from Hong Kong about the job of a maritime pilot.

"Discover the Port of Rotterdam with Port Reporter Dave | Short behind-the-scenes excursions | Mainport Rotterdam | Today: Pilotage"
In this video, port reporter Dave van der Wal takes you on a unique behind-the-scenes excursion of Europe's largest port. Commissioned by the Educational Information Centre Mainport Rotterdam, Dave visits various companies in the port and gives you an insight into the fascinating world of the maritime industry. Discover the innovative technologies and...

Details on Fremantle Incident: MV Maersk Sheoku Collides with STS Leeuwin II and actions of Crew and Pilots April 21, 2025 In this episode, Sal Mercogliano — a maritime historian at Campbell University (@campbelledu) and former merchant mariner — discusses the Australian Transport Safety Bureau Interim Report on the Collision between Maersk Shekou and tall ship STS Leeuwin II. #leeuwinII #Fremantle #collision 00:00 Background 09:57 Arrival at Fremantle 17:22 Entrance into Channel 27:27...

Pilot boat with over 2000 engine hours of operation in tough operating conditions.
OXE Marine brings its high-performance, fuel-efficient diesel outboards to Indonesia, offering a sustainable and reliable solution for commercial marine operations.

Accurate and real-time pilot movement information is vital for port communities and their customers, whether you are a ship operator planning an upcoming port call, a terminal operator planning the berth scheduling, or a port agent arranging cargo and husbandry services. By receiving timely updates of scheduled and actual vessel movements at port, this will allow each stakeholder to plan and execute their day-to-day operations accordingly.

A more unique angle regarding freighter departures; I was able to film the routine disembarking of one of our local ship captains and officers after piloting Solina out of the harbor. This is a required procedure, as per US Maritime Laws, all international freighters must be piloted in and out of a US harbor by a US Captain. Here we have out local pilot vessel Sea Bear running up alongside the Solina to allow the two officers to depart the freighter before she heads out across Lake Superior