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 All aspects of a spectacular and previously unpublished maritime tradition are considered, not forgetting the competitions between pilots to be the best crews.
Read more...
Article IHO Nautical Information Provision Work Group endorses Guide for Nautical Data 2.1
by IHMA - International Harbour Masters Association Secretary IHMA - published on 30 January 2025
Article Helmsman and pilots were operating with different goals
published on 22 April 2025
Video Port of Tyne Pilot Boat and BG Orange Freight/ContainerCarrier
published on 25 June 2026
Video Episode 95: Navigating the Houston Ship Channel - Challenges and Innovation with Captain...
published on 8 January 2025
Episode 95: Navigating the Houston Ship Channel - Challenges and Innovation with Captain Matthew Glass Guest: Captain Matthew Glass, Pilot and Second Officer on the Houston Pilot’s Executive Committee Episode Overview: In this episode of The Last Dinosaur – Maritime Shipping in the Digital Age, Chris Aversano welcomes Captain Matthew Glass, a seasoned pilot on the Houston Ship Channel. They dive into the evolving landscape of one of the busiest ports in the world, exploring topics like...