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 All aspects of a spectacular and previously unpublished maritime tradition are considered, not forgetting the competitions between pilots to be the best crews.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 Humphree stabilization for Louisiana Pilots
published on 16 November 2020
Video Jersey: Pierre Chays, Harbour Pilot and Marine Safety Manager
published on 27 May 2020
In the second of our series focusing on ‘Our people at ports’, we catch up with Pierre Chays, our Marine Safety Manager and Pilot who gives us a behind the scenes look at what our Harbours Team is doing during these difficult times in supporting the movement of essential freight services in and out of the Island. For him, it is very much ‘business as usual’ – and outside of his working hours he’s getting used to having another baby around the house.
Opinion Pilot Ladder - The Weakest Link in Marine Pilotage
by Capt. Santosha K. Nayak - published on 10 August 2020
Pilot transfer arrangement is a sensitive topic to be discussed among the pilot’s fraternity. Although ships are designed and operated with compliance to the SOLAS requirements in all respects including the pilot transfer arrangements, there has been numerous deficiencies observed related to pilot transfer arrangements. The small deficiencies from the part of ships cause life threatening accidents for pilots and sometimes to the ship staff themselves. There are many instances of defective ladder and complacency in proper rigging of ladders has been reported almost every day in different parts of the world. Many pilots lost their life, severely injured for life and face many minor to major accidents. The latest incident being the Capt. Timothy Murray of Sandy hooks Pilot.
Video ETA and EMPA Efficient and safe towage operations
published on 31 August 2022
The European Tugowners Association in collaboration with the European Maritime Pilots Association has produced this informative video on efficient and safe towage operations. These guidelines address the main factors affecting the safety of harbour towage operations such as good communications between pilots, ship captains and tugmasters.
Opinion A Seaman’s Review of “ Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad
by Capt.Alpertunga Anıker - published on 7 December 2022
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...
