The first volume of Pilots concentrated on the stories of American and British schooners. Volume 2 enters what for many will be a less familiar world... that of the remarkable pilot brigs and small undecked craft. Schooners range from the Hiates of Portugal to the beautiful station boats of the North Sea ports of Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, and France. The development of the schooners themselves into such highly sophisticated craft is traced from regional predecessors. Volume 2 of Pilots is not just about boats — the sailors also have their role. The book follows highly difficult manoeuvres under sail, dangerous transfers at sea, the routine of everyday life, and the perils of heavy weather including ships wrecked and lives saved. All aspects of a spectacular and previously unpublished maritime tradition are considered, not forgetting the competitions between pilots to be the best crews.
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Article Hamburg Pilot 3 – New all-weather pilot boat to serve Port of Hamburg
by Baird Maritime - published on 19 November 2025
Video HUGE 400m Container ship requiring 4th tug when navigating out of Port of Southampton
published on 13 November 2025
Experience the sheer power and precision of port operations as a 400-metre container ship — one of the largest vessels to visit the Port of Southampton — requires a fourth tugboat to safely dock. Captured in stunning 4K drone footage, this video highlights the incredible teamwork between pilots and tugs as they guide this giant into position. 📍 Location: Port of Southampton, UK 🚢 Vessel Type: Ultra Large Container Ship (400m class) ⚓ Tugboats: Four assisting tugs 🎥 Filmed in: 4K Ultra...
Video Cielo di Iyo met by Harbor Pilot
published on 20 January 2021
In early December, just as I was starting to get into ship spotting, I saw a couple of vessels headed up river towards Philly. One of them, the Cielo di Iyo met with the harbor pilot right as I had my drone up. I was able to capture the Pilot coming to meet the vessel and CLIMBING the ladder to get on board just before she passed beneath the Walt Whitman Bridge.
Video Launching Forth Ports Pilot Boat (2018)
published on 19 April 2021
Article "Eemslift Hendrika" secured by salvage crews
published on 8 April 2021
The Dutch freighter "Eemslift Hendrika", which was in distress at sea, was secured on Thursday night. Salvage crews succeeded in boarding the ship and connecting it to two tugboats. This was announced by the Norwegian Coastal Administration. It will now be towed to the harbour of the Norwegian city of Ålesund.
Video Pilot Boat for sale: "Pelican", Liverpool
published on 17 February 2022
Video #shorts Pilots Getting Off a Cruise Ship
published on 15 December 2020
Video Tug Girding
published on 30 November 2020
Between 2005 and 2018, the TSB received reports of 26 girding situations resulting in 21 capsizings. Girding occurs when a vessel is pulled broadside by a towline force and is unable to manoeuver out of this position. The TSB created this video to illustrate the factors leading to girding and the recovery methods.
The TSB would like to thank Ledcor Resources and Transportation Inc. for use of simulator training images in the girding video. We would also like to acknowledge the U.S....
