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 Sandy Hook pilot Dennis Sherwood has died after falling during embarking

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 30 December 2019

A pilot of Sandy Hook, Dennis Sherwood fell off a ladder while boarding a ship today at 4:30 a.m. and died of his serious injury in Staten Island hospital.

0

Video Live test: Backpack & Lifejacket?

published on 30 September 2021

When publishing articles or pictures about pilots and their pilot ladders, very often we see the use of backpacks. The use of backpacks is controversial, since its weight, or buoyancy, can influence the functioning of the lifejacket used.

2

Article USAID ERA Delivers 2nd Pilot Boat to Ukraine

published on 11 November 2024

USAID, through its Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), delivered a second pilot boat "Lotsman Bolotin" to the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA) to improve the efficiency and safety of pilots moving to and from vessels navigating the Danube ports.

0

Article MAN Engines captures UK pilot boat market

published on 21 May 2021

MAN Engines is equipping nine pilot boats from the shipyard Goodchild Marine Services Ltd. in Norfolk, Great Britain, with in-line six-cylinder engines. This is the engine manufacturer's first entry into the British pilot boat segment.

0

Article The first female maritime pilot in Brest (France), Vicky Herault

published on 9 November 2021

Congratulations: Vicky Hérault becomes the first female maritime pilot in the port of Brest (France) in Oct 2021.

1

Opinion Opinion: Maritime Pilotage - A highly dangerous business

by Baird Maritime - published on 18 August 2023

Opinion article by BAIRD Maritime, Australia

1

Article CHIRP 2022/23 annual digest published

published on 20 June 2023

ChirpMaritime has just released their annual analysis of maritime reports (2022-2023).

0