Article

London Port Authority: Record year for pilotage


by Port of London Authority - published on 13 January 2022 -  228 -

Example picture by Pixbay.com - Text by Port of London Authority

By the end of this year, our sea pilots are set to have undertaken a record number of pilotage acts. The total number is set to exceed 10,700, with almost 99% of the acts completed without delay.

Chief harbour master, Bob Baker explains:
“We have been making substantial investments in our pilotage service for more than five years now. Over £3 million investment in recruitment and training has seen total pilot roster exceed 100, with 12 trainees recruited each year since 2016 (excluding 2020 when it was reduced to 7 due to the pandemic).

In 2022 we intend to continue with this investment by recruiting a further 14 trainee pilots.

This continued investment is enabling us to keep pace with unprecedented demand on all bar the most exceptionally busy days. When those days come, we rely on partnership with the terminals and shipowners to prioritise vessels. It greatly assists our planning and allocation of pilots when we receive timely and accurate bookings from our customers, with particular importance to accurate drafts and ETAs/ETDs.”

Chief Harbour Master Bob Baker
Chief Harbour Master Bob Baker
Chief Harbour Master Bob Baker
Chief Harbour Master Bob Baker
We continually review our recruitment and pilot training programmes to ensure we maintain the high level of service our customers expect while meeting the ever increasing demand.

Join the conversation...

Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
AB
Adalberto René Borrego Argentina
on 14 January 2022, 01:13 UTC

Excellent!!
0

Read more...

Video The Port Authority of Jamaica | Critical Services - Pilotage

published on 15 April 2021

Pilotage is compulsory in all Jamaican ports and is a necessity for the safe passage and docking of ships entering and leaving the harbours. No ship or vessel can enter our Ports without the #PortAuthorityJa’s pilotage services. #MarinePilots, being the experts in local conditions, are required to assist in the navigation and manoeuvring of vessels in our channels and port areas and are dispatched to all ports in Jamaica on a 24 hour basis. Our #PilotBoatCrew ensures that Marine Pilots are...

2

Video Pilot Transfer - New Zealand (Auckland) & Australia (Melbourne/Fremantle)

published on 21 October 2021

Spotted some Pilot Boats in the Port of Auckland, New Zealand and Melbourne & Fremantle Australia (Port codes: Auckland:NZ AKL ; Melbourne:AU MEL ; Fremantle:AU FRE).

0

Video Look at Life - Down London River (Thames) - 1959

published on 18 March 2021

This documentary made in 1959 in the popular Look at Life series is from Volume 5 - Cultural History and takes a journey along the River Thames passing several famous buildings and monuments such as - County Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Shell Mex House which has the biggest clock face in London. Cleopatra's Needle, St Paul's Cathedral, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Port of London Authority, Prospect of London Pub, Port of London Docks.

0

Video Technique Maritime Pilots Use to Board Ships Moving on Polar Ice

published on 22 April 2025

Welcome back to the Fluctus Channel and watch with us as ship pilots get onto and off moving vessels. Fluctus is a website and YouTube channel dedicated to sea geeks. Whenever you are curious or an incorrigible lover of this mysterious world, our videos are made for you ! We publish 3 videos a week on our YouTube channel and many more articles on our website. Feel free to subscribe to not miss any of our updates and visit our website to discover additional content. Don’t forget to follow...

0

Video Golden Brilliant to EMO terminal, Mississippihaven in Port of Rotterdam

published on 2 September 2020

Today, the MV GOLDEN BRILLIANT, a 225 m long bulk carrier came in at sunrise, underway to EMO terminal, Mississippihaven in Port of Rotterdam. We were assisted by two tugboats, the BUGSIER 12 and MULTRATUG 3. It was cold and very windy, but the Philippino crew dit an outstanding job! The only way to say goodbye these days is the much acclaimed “ Corona Handshake” to master and crew.

1

Article Mapping Safe Maritime Pilotage: Understanding Complexity in Maritime Pilotage

by University of York - published on 9 February 2026

University of York: Here, Dr Kate Preston explains why we need to fully understand the complexity maritime pilotage before we can integrate technology like autonomy.

1

Video British Sea Pilot's 1960: Vintage History Vault Films.

published on 27 July 2026

Step back in time to the height of Britain's maritime influence with this look at the unsung heroes of the shipping industry: the sea pilots. In the 1960s, as global trade patterns shifted and shipping technology began its rapid evolution, British sea pilots remained the vital, trusted guides navigating the world’s most complex waterways. From the treacherous currents of the River Mersey to the bustling ports of the coast, these men held the legal conduct of massive vessels in their hands,...

1

Opinion A few words about pilot safety and Merry Christmas

by Frank Diegel - published on 23 December 2021

My personal impression is that a lot has changed in terms of safety in the last two years. Non-compliance with current legislation that directly affects the safety of pilots is now no longer tolerated by many stakeholders. Something is happening. And that is a good thing.

1

Video "Ship's Pilot" - A poem by Gaylen K. Bunker

published on 13 February 2020

A wonderful poem As read by the author From his books "Poems" Sometimes it is good just to stop and enjoy a poem. This poem "Ship's Pilot" is read by the author himself. A valuable piece about the nature of the pilot.

1

Video 8 Hours in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

published on 6 July 2019

Follow me as I travel around the world working on a container ship!
The mega container ship is alongside Kaohsiung for one day, I had 8 hours off between my watch, so i took the opportunity to explore Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Brought along my drone to take some shots at the beautiful architecture that Taiwan has to offer.

0