Article

Capt. Kevin Vallance awarded the Merchant Navy Medal


by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 13 November 2020 689 -

We congratulate Captain Kevin Vallance on receiving the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service. He is known in our community as a man who is tireless in his efforts to improve safety on ships, especially the safety of pilot ladders. He is an active member of the #dangerousladders group on Facebook and has published several books on pilot ladders.

He is one of the best experts in his field and is well known far beyond his home country.
This award once again casts a spotlight on the safety of embarking and disembarking ships via ladders.
The team of Marine-Pilots.com would like to congratulate and thank you on behalf of our community for your great achievements over the past years.
We would like to refer you to his articles and books (see further content below the article), which are written to make pilot ladders safer.

In 2015 Her Majesty The Queen graciously signed the Royal Warrant for the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service.

The names of the first recipients were announced on Merchant Navy Day, 2 September 2016, by Shipping Minister John Hayes who went on to say:
"This new state award, with a place in the order of wear, is being awarded to those who are serving or have served in the Merchant Navy and fishing fleets of the UK, Isle of Man or Channel Islands for exemplary service and devotion to duty, rewarding those who have set an outstanding example to others. Coinciding with Merchant Navy Day, it provides an opportunity to remember the sacrifices of our brave seafarers of the past and to show our appreciation for British shipping today and in the future."
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Article Pilot Transfer Arrangements

by Captain Kevin Vallance MNI - published on 2 October 2019

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.

1

Article A contempt for pilot safety and total disregard for the contents of the SOLAS Convention.

by Captain Kevin Vallance MNI - published on 4 October 2019

Tuesday, October 1st is the start date of the latest International Maritime Pilot Association's annual Safety Campaign.

Previous campaigns by the association have consistently shown results of pilot ladder deficiencies around the 20% mark.

0

Article Origins of the IMPA pilot mark

by Kevin Vallance deep sea pilot and author - published on 24 October 2019

There are many things in both our everyday and professional lives which we take for granted and never question the origins of, an example of this might be the IMPA recommended ‘pilot mark or pilot line’, which is sometimes seen on the side of vessels indicating where a vessels freeboard exceeds 9 metres.

4

Article Kiel Pilots Operating on Emergency Basis

published on 3 June 2024

Since October, pilots from Kiel have been unable to use their offshore transfer station. Long detours and limited rest periods have complicated their workdays, with no end in sight.

1

Article Safehaven: New Pilot Boat to Williams Shipping (UK)

published on 19 May 2022

Safehaven Marine of Ireland will soon deliver a new pilot boat to Williams Shipping based in Southampton, UK.

0

Article ISPO 2022 conference program and topics published

published on 17 June 2022

On 21st and 22nd September, the ISPO conference 2022 will be held at Cork in Ireland. Now the conference program and topics have been published.

1

Opinion Comment of Harry Klenner: Harbour pilots and climate change

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 16 June 2020

Comment of Harry Klenner (Presidente de la Asociación Chilena de Prácticos de Puerto): Nowadays, apart from having to take measures to avoid contagion with the Covid-19, port pilots have to consider another factor that has become present on the planet and which, by the way, our country has not been unaware of.

0

Article AURIGA Pilot appoints the first female pilot in its company

published on 29 September 2021

AURIGA Group on Friday announced it had appointed the first female pilot in its business, as well as the first female leader of a reef pilotage business.

1

Video Pilot Boarding

published on 22 January 2021

0

Video Dr Paul Luckin, AMSA survivability expert, on lifejackets

published on 6 October 2022

There are a number of things you can do to service and care for your lifejacket, including regular checks and maintenance, proper storage and ensuring you have one for every passenger on your vessel. But if you aren’t wearing it when an emergency occurs, it is very unlikely it will save your life.
We spoke with AMSA survival expert Dr Paul Luckin to learn more about lifejacket essentials.

0